European Parliament President Martin Shulz told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine that the EU is willing to continue financially assisting Greece but only if Athens seizes the opportunity.

“That is what I said to the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras: accept the fact that people want to help,” he said. Asked if a Grexit from the Eurozone would be best for Greece, the socialist head of the EP said: “No, first the Greek economy would deteriorate dramatically. Secondly it should immediately be supported financially in a massive way. Thirdly, there is the risk of other countries being forced to write off bilateral loans. This in some countries could reverse the effects of the consolidation.”