Tsipras meets Moscovici: Now is the time to plan the conclusion of the programme in August 2018

"You are visiting Greece on a special day, it is the day that Greece successfully returns to the markets, and this is the most important message and the most essential step in concluding this unpleasant adventure of the memorandum", Tsipras said.

"The information so far is very positive," he said adding that investors have welcomed the Greek bonds.
"Now it is the time to talk about Greece's future, how we will cooperate, how we will work in order to successfully conclude the programme next year and plan the next day for Greece," Tsipras underlined.

The prime minister expressed his confidence that the European Commission will be the best ally and partner in order to successfully plan the next day for Greece.

On his part, Moscovici said: "We have achieved a lot, we have gone a long way, and we see the light now."

The Commissioner focused on a series of positive developments such the conclusion of the programme review, the IMF decision which is a sign of confidence in Greece, and the European Commission's proposal to end the excessive deficit procedure for Greece.

"Therefore," he said, "it is time to test the markets and I hope that it will be a positive procedure."

Moscovici underlined that he wants to celebrate the end of the programme in August 2018 and reassured the prime minister that the European Commission will be a dedicated partner and ally of Greece.

He also said that growth is higher than expected and estimated that it may reach 1.8 pct at least this year and 2.5 pct in 2018 adding that this will create jobs for the Greeks.