BRUSSELS (AP) – France says talks between Greece and its bailout creditors are going the right way and hopes that Monday’s eurozone meeting will see the sides narrow their differences enough to have a deal “within hand’s grasp.”
Finance Minister Michel Sapin told EU legislators Thursday that “the risk of things running off the rails for Greece also entails that risk for Europe,” so a compromise is needed.
Greece and its European creditors have been at an impasse for over three months on what reforms the country should make to get more rescue loans to keep it solvent. A potential Greek debt default could threaten Europe’s joint currency and roil the global economy.
Sapin called for a “push toward a compromise” at Monday’s gathering of eurozone finance ministers. He said there was a degree of flexibility in the talks, which are currently centered on state revenue policies, such as taxation.
“We will not get there (May) 11th but in the days that follow because it is absolutely necessary,” Sapin said.