Greece says ECB emergency package makes 12 billion euro in debt eligible

Greece expects lower borrowing costs following its inclusion in an emergency assets purchases' program launched by the European Central Bank (ECB), its finance minister said.

The ECB triggered new bond purchases worth 750 billion euros ($816.90 billion) at an emergency meeting late on Wednesday to stop a pandemic-induced financial rout from shredding the euro zone's economy and renew concerns about the bloc's viability.

The purchases will also include for the first time debt from Greece, which has been shut out of previous ECB buys because of its low credit rating.

Christos Staikouras, Greece's finance minister, said the decision made about 12 billion euros in Greek government debt eligible for inclusion, which was expected to help in lowering borrowing costs.

"This is tangible support to our country and is a gesture of confidence in the government's...