Latest News from Greece
Strong card in debt talks
Achieving a primary surplus and having it confirmed by the European statistical agency, Eurostat, is a significant success for Greece.
There is no doubt that it came at a heavy price for a large part of the population, especially those who bore the brunt of a succession of new and hefty taxes, but it is nevertheless a watershed moment that marks a new era for the country.
NBG to break free of sovereign shackles with senior bond
National Bank of Greece is preparing to price a senior unsecured bond at a lower yield than its sovereign, in a sign that the «doom-loop» between sovereigns and their banks might finally be broken.
Greece meets budget target for more debt relief from creditors
Greece met the budget goal set by its euro-area partners as a condition for talks on further debt relief.
The government of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras recorded a primary budget surplus, which excludes interest payments, of 1.5 billion euros ($2.1 billion) last year, the European Commission said on Wednesday.
Greece sees 2013 primary budget surplus at 1.5 bln euros, says deputy finance minister
Greece's general government primary surplus last year, as calculated by the country's international lenders, is estimated at 1.5 billion euros ($2.07 billion), Greece's deputy finance minister said on Wednesday.
Greek debt swells again as Samaras looks to creditors for relief
Greek state debt surged to the highest in the euro era last year, underscoring the urgency of Prime Minister Antonis Samaras’s push to lower the cost of the government’s bailout loans.
FBI seeks to identify victims of suspected US child molester who worked abroad, including Greece
U.S. authorities have asked the public to help identify as many as 90 possible victims of a suspected child predator who worked at American and other international schools in at least nine countries.
Evros River swells to dangerous levels
Regional authorities in Evros on Greeces northern border warned on Wednesday that the Evros River had reached dangerously high levels and was at risk of breaking its banks.
At the gauging station at Kipoi, the river had reached 4 meters on Wednesday, 40 centimeters above the recommended safe level.
Coast guard fleet to be strengthened with six new boats
The Greek coast guard is to get six new patrol boats in a deal mostly funded by the European Union.
Merchant Marine Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis signed an agreement on Wednesday which will see Greece pick up the six vessels for a total cost of 13.3 million euros.
New Greek growth initiative to launch on April 29
QualityNet Foundation, created by Greeces main business associations, will launch its Sustainable Greece 2020 initiative on April 29 that promotes sustainable development through partnerships within the private sector as well as with the public sector.
Credit Agricole said to seek buyer for $554 million Greek loans
Credit Agricole Leasing Greece, Credit Agricole SAs remaining business in the country, is seeking buyers for around 400 million euros ($554 million) of loans mostly backed by real estate, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.
Greece qualifies for new debt relief after 2013 budget surplus
Greece is set to obtain more debt relief from its international lenders after European officials confirmed on Wednesday that Athens had topped its fiscal targets and achieved a budget surplus in 2013.
Greece, Germany sign deal for IFG
Germanys state-owned KfW bank is set to contribute 100 million euros to the Institution for Growth in Greece, IFG.
The deal was signed by Greel Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis and KfW Senior Vice-President Dr Lutz-Christian Funke, in the presence of Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, in Athens on Wednesday.
Greece to Request Approval for Corporate Tax Cuts
The Greek government is to ask the Eurozone whether it could introduce a gradual decrease of corporate taxes, with the request due to be made on next euro area meeting on May 5.
Greece sees increase in tourism
Greece sees increase in tourism
A wave of tourists visited Greece for the Easter holiday. Also in business news: The European Central Bank launched a Eurosystem co-operation programme with Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia
Greece has seen an influx of tourists for the Easter holiday. [AFP]
Major tourism promotion at travel fair in Latin America
By Stathis Kousounis
Greece is the country of honor at the World Travel Market Latin America, the regions biggest travel fair that opens on Wednesday in Sao Paulo, Brazils most populous city. It will last until Friday.