S&D Euro MPs today welcomed the Eurogroup’s agreement to unblock €8.5 billion in loans for Greece. This decision will prevent a further crisis and takes a step forward in the direction of a sustainable economic recovery for the country. 

S&D Group president Gianni Pittella said:

"Yesterday's deal will help to put an end to the unnecessary Greek saga; a saga that has already taken too long and has held Greek people hostage. The deal also recognises the possibility for Greece to adopt pro-growth measures. This is the path to be followed.

"In addition, all conditions are now met for Greece to access the ECB quantitative easing program. Our Group also expect a substantial and detailed debt relief in the coming months. We will be vigilant. Greek people have already suffered too much because of narrow-minded calculations by hawkish politicians."

S&D Group vice-president responsible for economic and social policy Udo Bullmann added:

"There is however no time for celebratory complacency. Even if a general agreement on debt relief measures has been struck, further deliberations are needed to translate this deal into practice.

"The Greek authorities have made laudable efforts in recent months to deliver on their commitments. Now it is time for Eurozone governments and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to work constructively on defining meaningful support measures.

"It is in the best interest of all parties involved to deliver concrete results as soon as possible, and to do away with the short-sighted brinkmanship of which we have seen way too much in the last few months".

MEPs involved
Coordinator
Germany