Oops! Juncker, Merkel refer to ‘troika’ in Greece, during Brussels meeting

The top issues of Europe and the Eurozone were discussed

A meeting in Brussels between EC president Jean-Claude Juncker and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the first since the ex-Luxembourg PM assumed the Commission’s top spot, expectedly included both Greece and Ukraine on the agenda.

 

In response to press questions afterwards, Merkel categorically reminded that “member-states must follow the rules outlined by the EU,” — a nod to the leftist government in Greece.

 

“We have done whatever we can to ensure that the Greek program will be successful. The Bundestag voted for it and the troika will continue the evaluation”, Germany’s “iron chancellor” said, clearly re-introducing the word “Troika” that the Greek government tried so hard to eliminate in favor of the more neutral “institutions”.

 

Juncker added that “Greece must implement everything agreed upon in the Eurogroup”. When asked if Athens should expect a third bailout package and accompanying third memorandum, he said: “It is yet too early to state if such a thing will be needed”.

 

On her part, Merkel steered clear of the question.