Greece is making significant progress in implementing reforms, Moscovici says
“We must not lose this target,” the French commissioner said, underlining that “in the next few days and weeks, negotiations and difficult decisions” will follow. Moscovici added that the aim was the November 9 Eurogroup meeting to give a “positive signal” for the disbursement of the sub-tranche and expressed the hope that the first programme assessment would be completed by the end of the year.
Commenting on an ongoing negotiation over home foreclosure auctions, he said that “progress” must be made and noted that “the most vulnerable must be helped and protected, in contrast with those who are considered “strategic offenders” trying to escape their responsibilities”.
The French commissioner said he was optimistic thanks to a climate of cooperation and confidence built with the Greek government. “Challenges remain but there is a common will to move forward together,” Moscovici said. The country was dealing “a refugee crisis with courage,” he added, expressing his support for Greece in dealing with this challenge. Commenting on an upcoming recapitalization of banks he noted that “the challenge is to protect depositors, to stabilize the Greek banking system and restore confidence in the market in order to have a gradual lifting of capital controls”.
