EU Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen met with Greek leadership and unveiled the Commission’s so-called “Juncker plan” to Greek Parliament MPs on Monday.
During comments before a relevant committee, Katainen also commented on the ongoing negotiations between Athens and its institutional creditors, stressing that there is “no other road beyond implementation of agreed to reforms”.
He was referring to the third memorandum signed last summer and the pace of current talks to reach the first review of the Greek program (third bailout).
The Finnish official said the Commission was willing to help Greece by boosting liquidity to Greek businesses, while outlining Brussels’ plan for financing of projects that will boost economic activity and create jobs.
He pointed to four steps in starting the process, on the part of the Commission, namely, contacts with Greek banks on how the latter can utilize the strategic fund for investments; compiling ideas and initiatives by businesses with investment needs along with the establishment of an investment platform; a media campaign to brief the public on how to apply for European Investment Bank financing, and finally, activation of a new Greek investment fund.
“Private businesses can have access to European resources without the involvement of Greek public entities,” he clarified, stressing that financing comes directly from the EIB.
