Commission spokeswoman again refers to ‘progress’ in talks between Athens, lenders

A Commission spokeswoman on Monday forwarded a more positive view of ongoing negotiations Athens and its institutional lenders, again referring to “progress”, during a same-day press briefings.

Mina Andreeva nevertheless said negotiations are still not concluded, with European institutions also insisting on the need for a Greek primary budget surplus of 3.5 percent of GDP by 2018.

IMF representatives also want that target met, but have disagreed with Europeans over whether a package of measures tabled by Athens will actually meet the goal.

The spokeswoman merely added that the Commission wants the first review of the Greek program (third bailout) to conclude as soon as possible.