EU report on Greece shows cautious optimism - The Best from Greece

BRUSSELS, Nov 17 (KUNA) - Following its economic adjustment programme the Greek government has taken "some important first steps in this direction over the past 18 months, " according to a first reported released Thursday by the EU's Task force for Greece. "In addition to fiscal consolidation as an important first step on Greece's long road to recovery, the country has also begun a programme of profound structural reform," noted the report.
The Greek government had requested the support of the European Commission in organising the technical assistance it needs to implement its economic programme process and to accelerate the absorption of EU funds in support of growth and job creation.
The EU established Task Force for Greece in response to the request and commenced operations in August 2011 .
European Commission President Jos{-Manuel Barroso on the occasion of the presentation of the first report, said " we reiterate that our European Institutions will continue to do everything within their power to help Greece. The Task Force set up by the Commission has quickly established good cooperation with the Greek authorities to identify their priority needs." (end) nk.ajs KUNA 171452 Nov 11NNNN