Radical Left Coalition Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is meeting today with European Parliament President Martin Schultz, a member of the social democrats, and with Eurogroup Chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem on Friday. These first meetings are regarded as “introductory sessions” and negotiations will not be discussed.

Tsipras is expected to immediately stress that austerity has created a “humanitarian crisis” in Greece and will call for a change for such policies.

Schulz has already delineated his position on European austerity, saying there is a need for a new agreement and compromise solution.

The new government is already gaining at least some lip-service support in its efforts, with SYRIZA circles citing “nice words” by US President Barack Obama on Wednesday during his congratulatory phone call to Tsipras. Apart from the pleasantries, Obama encouraged the Greek prime minister to continue efforts towards growth and said that he would help in this direction.