Talks with Brussels Group “on the right path” though slow

Figures are being brought to the table to examine the viability of reforms

Negotiations between representatives of the Greek government and of the Brussels Group continued at the Belgian capital on Saturday for the third day. The most crucial 24 hours of discussions are tenacious as the new measures of the Varoufakis list are debated.

The Greek side stated that talks are progressing with positivity, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told Rheinische Post newspaper that there is still a long way to go though he ruled out the country’s bankruptcy at this point. The daily stated that Greece has not detailed its proposals for reforms but stated that the discussions are “on the right path.”

In the same interview, Juncker stressed that “Greece should implement viable and credible financial and fiscal policies”, underlining that if the government wants to keep its pre-election pledges it would need to ensure that it has adequate funding.

The Brussels Group meeting currently taking place is the first time where actual figures are being brought to the tables. The needs and costs are being examined to ensure that the Varoufakis’ list is feasible for the rescue of the state budget and social security.

Greek sources state that the talks are taking place in a positive climate, however this “progress is slow” and a great deal of precious time has been lost. Hence, it is difficult for an agreement to be reached by Monday. Talks are scheduled to continue until late on Saturday evening, without excluding the possibility that they may continue on Sunday. More contacts between the two sides are expected until May 11, on the eve of the planned Eurogroup.