Bulgaria's PM Backs 'Balkan Stream' as EU Plots Full Break from Russian Gas
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has reaffirmed that the “Balkan Stream” pipeline remains a functional and commercially viable energy project
Greek Parliament Adopts Anti-Austerity Bill Despite EU's Opposition
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (C) delivers his speech during a parliamentary session in Athens, Greece, 18 March 2015. Photo: EPA
The Greek Parliament adopted on Wednesday a “humanitarian crisis” bill to help its poorest people despite the opposition expressed by the European Union.
This development came before the participation of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at the summit of EU leaders on Thursday, at which he is to seek more financial help, EurActiv reports.
The package of social measures, which was proposed by the main ruling party SYRIZA, gathered broad political support as some MPs of the conservative New Democracy also voted in favour.
The bill arranged for free electricity and food stamps to be provided to the poorest households, which were one of the key electoral promises made by Tsipras.
The legislation also calls for providing up to 30 000 households with housing allowance and 300 000 people with food subsidies.
Help is also foreseen for people, who have lost their jobs in the recent months and no longer have social security coverage.
Greece, which is in a dire need of cash, is waiting on further financial assistance from its international creditors, but before that the EU has to approve the proposed reforms.
Tsipras is to meet later on Thursday with the leaders of Germany and France and top EU officials in an attempt of relaxing the terms of the Greek bailout.
Related Articles:
TurkStream Excluded from EU Ban Proposal on Russian Gas Imports
The TurkStream gas pipeline, which transits through Bulgaria on its way to the Western Balkans and Central Europ
Support from an Unlikely Ally: Fico Signals Backing for Ukraine’s EU Bid
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his pro-Russian stance, has expressed support for Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union
European Commission Slaps Greece with Nearly €400 Million Fine Over Agricultural Subsidy Fraud
The European Commission has imposed a fine of nearly €400 million on Greece over a major scandal involving the mismanagement of EU agricultural subsidies
Could Bulgaria Face a 'Greek Scenario' After Adopting the Euro?
With Bulgaria set to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, questions are surfacing about whether the country might face financial risks similar to those that led to Greece’s debt crisis
EU Proposes Travel Restrictions for Russian Diplomats in New Sanctions Package
At a meeting of EU permanent representatives held in Brussels, several member states put forward a proposal to impose restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats across the European Union
Eurozone Expansion: All Member States Back Bulgaria's Entry in 2026
The convergence reports on Bulgaria, issued by the European Commission and the European Central Bank, are expected to receive broad support from all Eurozone countries
TurkStream Excluded from EU Ban Proposal on Russian Gas Imports
The TurkStream gas pipeline, which transits through Bulgaria on its way to the Western Balkans and Central Europ
The Time for a ‘Global Euro’ Is Now, Says ECB President Christine Lagarde
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde has called on Europe to take advantage of a unique moment to elevate the euro’s status on the global stage
EU Sets 2027 Deadline to End Russian Energy Imports
The European Commission has introduced a draft regulation aimed at ending the European Union’s reliance on Russian gas and oil by the close of 2027
Spain’s April Power Outage: We Finally Know the Reason Behind the Blackout
A government investigation into the massive blackout that struck the Iberian Peninsula in April has determined that a voltage surge in the power grid triggered a chain reaction
European Commission Slaps Greece with Nearly €400 Million Fine Over Agricultural Subsidy Fraud
The European Commission has imposed a fine of nearly €400 million on Greece over a major scandal involving the mismanagement of EU agricultural subsidies
