Greece's objective is for the €1.0 billion loan tranche to be disbursed by the end of the year, Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras said in Brussels late on December 9, shortly after the end of the a Eurogroup session. He said that the Greek authorities are very close to an agreement to satisfy the last prior action that concerns the restructuring of the Greek defense industries (EAS). The minister explained that the solution proposed by the Greek government was to liquidate the EAS while in operation.

He added that Athens is expecting a reply from the troika of lenders today, expressing his belief it would be a positive one. As for troika’s visit to Athens, Stournaras confirmed that negotiations will begin on December 11, and would last for one week, aiming to find a solution as soon as possible..

See also: Remarks by Joroen Dijsselbloem at the press conferences following the meeting of the Eurogroup (12.9.2013)