Moscovici: Deal between Athens, creditors close

Frenchman’s optimism comes after previous night’s comment by Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who dampened hopes for a quick deal

EU Economics Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici spiked the increasingly improved climate between Athens and creditors that suddenly emerged on Wednesday, saying he believes, “more than ever”, that a deal was possible to finally unblock bailout cash for a cash-strapped Athens.

“I believe more than ever that a deal is possible if the political will is shared by all,” Moscovici told AFP, adding that the “next few days would be decisive for Greece.”

The comment comes after it was announced that Greek PM Alexis Tsipras will meet with Jean-Claude Juncker on Thursday for talks reportedly focusing on an agreement text, one based on the Greek government’s apparent compromises, particularly on the issue of the primary budget surplus.

A crucial meeting also comes on Wednesday between Tsipras, Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande.

Nevertheless, a previous comment by the usual “bad cop” in the group, Eurogroup head Jeroen Dijsselbloem, dampened hopes for a quick resolution.

“I hear a lot of optimism among the Greeks, but this is an underestimation of the complexity of what is expected of them,” he told Dutch TV the night before.