The spokesperson for the European Commission Annika Breidthardt told journalists on Thursday that a short-term loan from the EFSM is just as likely as Greece receiving long-term funding from the ESM, in line with the new agreement.
Although Mrs. Breidthardt repeated earlier statements by Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, who has expressed his preference for an agreement by the 20th of August, she added that the Eurozone members would ultimately decide. Germany has been the most vocal supporter of a bridge loan.
Mrs. Breidthardt further noted that copies of the technical agreement that was reached in Athens have been forwarded from the EC to the Eurozone finance ministers. She also revealed that the agreement was being discussed between Eurogroup chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem and Mr. Juncker.
