Tag: Greece

• Athens visit of MEPs investigating bailouts postponed, sparking criticism from SYRIZA

  Von ekathimerini.com

  The MEPs’ visit, during which they were due to meet with Greek officials, would have coincided with the official ceremony marking the moment Greece assumes the European Union’s rotating presidency. SYRIZA claimed this was what prompted the postponement. “It would have spoiled the fiestas the Greek government is preparing for the EU presidency,” said leftist MEP Nikos Chountis, who is on the ECON committee.

• Postponement of MEP visit to investigate the Troika in Greece represents disappointing and inadequate start to Presidency

  

  Von Gabi Zimmer, Jürgen Klute

  Following a last-minute decision from EP President Martin Schulz and Greek Prime Minister Samaras to postpone a delegation of Economic Affairs (ECON) committee MEPs to Greece, the GUE/NGL Group has condemned that this important visit has been pushed back. GUE/NGL MEP Jürgen Klute, who represents GUE/NGL in the enquiry team, commented: "By launching an enquiry into the work undertaken by the Troika, MEPs have assumed a crucial and delicate task. Since the start of the enquiry the European Council and the IMF have made it clear that they are not interested in democratic accountability and transparency. It is extremely unfortunate and disappointing for citizens that MEPs give in so quickly when faced with this type of blatant opposition to any form of investigation."

• Why should Goldman's boy lead ECB ?

  

  Von Jürgen Klute (GFS News)

  By June, 23rd, a vast majority of MEPs will have made two important and contradictory decisions. Parliament will adopt a reform of the Stability and Growth Pact that will ensure that Member States that do not comply with EU goals for public debt reduction or structural reforms will face fines of around 0.1 % of GDP. Member States delivering misleading fiscal data will also be hit with heavy fines.