Greece’s Second Program Review Could Be Finished by End of 2016, Says EC’s Chris Allen

Greece’s second program review could be completed by the end of the year, said Chris Allen, the European Commission Resident Representative in Athens, during a speech at the “2016 Thessaloniki’s Summit”, held in the country’s largest northern city on Thursday and Friday. 

He also said the country needs growth and investments to counter the economic slump. “After six difficult years, Greece needs growth and economic stability,” he noted and added that privatizations are a “key factor” in creating investments and growth in the country.

He also said the timely implementation of Greece’s commitments towards its lenders are vital for the success of the program, noting that it was important that fact that politics were separated from the management of the program. 

Allen described the opening of the energy and natural gas markets as “milestone measures” for the future of the Greek economy, adding that the new review, which will concern investments and development, will have to emphasize new technologies and innovation.

 

 

ANA-MPA