‘Quartet’ returns to Athens to conclude program review

IMF will set a lower bar regarding its requirements for primary surplus

The International Monetary Fund and European lenders decided to make mutual concessions on Greek program review and the ‘Quartet’ is expected to return to Athens on Thursday evening to meet with Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and try conclude the review.

Greece’s lenders do not want to put more pressure on Greece because of the refugee, while the IMF will set a lower bar regarding its requirements for primary surplus. Instead of 3.5% of GDP, IMF’s representatives are willing to discuss about 2% of primary surplus, according to sources, meaning the measures for 2018 and beyond will be 2 billion euros less.

Greek debt relief, which exceeds 320 billion euros, pending reforms and the measures to cover the fiscal gap for 2016-2018 period are expected to be included in the negotiation talks.