Following today's negative developments in the negotiation between Greek authorities and the creditors, president of the S&D Group, Gianni Pittella, said:
"It is a really sad day for Europe. We did whatever we could and even more to try and find a reasonable compromise that could help the Greek people and be acceptable for creditors and the EU. We were aware from the start of how complicated it would be to reach a deal but it was right to push for a political solution. The stability of the whole of Europe is at stake here. Though it could be said Athens did not approach the negotiations in an adequate way at the very beginning, on the other hand it appeared there was clearly a stubborn attitude from some Member States. We will keep on fighting for the integrity of Eurozone and Europe."