European issues on the election of the next president of the European Commission and economic developments in Greece were discussed in the brief meeting between the Greek Prime Minister Mr.Antonis Samaras and the German Minister of Finance Mr.Wolfgang Schaeuble, on the event organized by the Parliamentary Group of the European People’s Party , on the event of “Employment and Development 2014-2019.”

During lunch, the Greek Prime Minister joined the table of the President of the European Commission, Mr José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European People’s Party, Mr. Joseph Dole and Mr. Schäuble.
Mr. Samaras was sitting next to Germany’s Minister of Finance, and had the opportunity to discuss with him for about 20 minutes. According to government sources, the subject of their discussion was the positive state of finances in Greece.
As the key issue now being the impending deal of the Greek debt, a government source estimated that the discussion will start from September onwards. It is worth mentioning that the time of its onset and the expected duration of talks is a complex function involving various individual factors, while we still have the visit of Troika to Greece ahead .
The same government sources have estimated that the Greek government will not accept further pressure and as long as it keeps the basic framework of commitments on fiscal policy, it will have the flexibility of movement and the ability to correct social injustice.

However, the Prime Minister showed no concern for the IMF report, while he seemed pleased with the reduction of interest rates on Greek bonds.

The subject of the identity of the next president of the European Commission, was raised on the table. The Greek government’s position was that we should respect the will of European citizens Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker to become the candidate of the European People’s Party.
Mr. Samaras has remained consistent in his support, despite the problems created by England. It has been estimated, however, that obstacles will be overcomed and Juncker agrees as well, especially if England gets the Energy portfolio as her first preference to the Commission.

The fact that Mr Juncker is in favor of the austerity policy’s slacknes in Europe, as well as the reinforcement of resources and liquidity of the development process is an even bigger reason, that Mr. Samaras supports his nomination and believes that his prevalence will be a positive step.

At 17:30 Mr. Samaras was suppose to speak at the EPP event , while in the margin would have had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Portugal, Mr. Coelho.