EU summit: EC President’s investment plan favorable for Greece

Greek PM A. Samaras emerged from the one-day leader’s meeting closemouthed, focusing mainly on the investment plan

In an unprecedented move that was symbolic of changed leadership, the EU leaders summit in Brussels lasted for just one day. Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras emerged from the meeting on Thursday, tight-lipped, and focused mainly on issues that had been discussed at the meeting, particularly EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s 315-billion-euro EU investment plan.

Regarding the presidential elections, he said “there is progressive development” and he avoided questions regarding Greece’s negotiations with the troika of international creditors from the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Mr. Samaras said that his colleagues from the European People’s Party (EPP) and other EU leaders showed an interest on the situation in Greece on the sidelines of the summit. On her part, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the Bundestag that Greece’s prospects are better than they were two years ago. She expressed the hope that the presidential elections can soon be wrapped up in Greece and for a steady future course to continue.

Sources close to the prime minister said that the EU wants stabilityy to continue in Greece as leaders are worried that Greek economic turbulence could create problems to other countries. For the situation, however, to be stabilized, the political situation in Greece needs to clear up following the election of the President.

Greece looks favorably on Mr. Juncker’s investment plan that earmarks 315 billion euros for the development of European infrastructure. The packet is seen as ambitious and signals a turn from the recession to one of growth.

Mr. Samaras said that fiscal adjustment and structural reforms also need investments to encourage competitiveness.