Bulgaria Leads EU in Retail Growth with 7.4% Annual Increase in October
Bulgaria continues to show strong performance in retail trade
EC President Barroso has repeatedly welcomed the second EU bailout for Greece. Photo by EPA/BGNES
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has warned of the devastating effect that doubts about Greece's financial assistance program may have.
"It would not be rational to put all that money (for the second bailout) if (eurozone nations) believe it is not going to work," Barroso told an audience at the Lisbon Council think tank in Brussels.
"Unfortunately, the message that comes at the same time, is 'ok, (we put this money) but probably it will not work.' This has a devastating effect," the head of the EU executive complained.
"I will receive Papademos on Wednesday with several members of the commission to see how we can implement the program," Barroso announced.
The meeting will take place just a day before all European Union heads of state gather in Brussels with plans to conclude Greece's second bailout program and discuss growth-enhancing measures without stimulus.
"I believe [Greece] can become a much more efficient, competitive economy," Barroso said, adding that "reforms take time."
The meeting, which will run from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. local time, will focus on Greece's growth potential, commission spokeswoman Pia Ahrenkilde-Hansen told reporters in Brussels today.
EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn will also attend the meeting, Ahrenkilde-Hansen said.
Last week, euro-zone finance ministers agreed a second bailout package for Greece worth EUR 130 B in exchange for further austerity and reform measures from Athens, to prevent the country from defaulting on its debts.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has rejected claims that it has issued a ruling blocking Bulgaria’s planned entry into the eurozone
Public support for the euro in the eurozone remains robust
Kherson maternity ward struck as attacks on Ukraine’s healthcare escalate and the fourth winter of full-scale war sets in
EU legislators have reached a landmark agreement to end reliance on Russian gas by 2027, marking a decisive shift in Europe’s energy policy.
Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have identified a criminal group allegedly led by a sitting lawmaker, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) reported on December 5
The race to find the mineral deposits needed to support the world's growing population and energy transition is on, and those using artificial intelligence technology for exploration and extraction are already leading the way
Bulgaria's Strategic Role in the EU's Drone Wall Defense Initiative
When Politics Means Violence