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Greek crisis: Merkel says a deal is still possible - live updates Greek crisis: Ministers arrive for 'very difficult' Greek talks - live
(35 minutes later)
11.40am BST11:40
Greek prime minister lands in Russia
Alexis Tsipas has just been sighted in Russia, which might cause a few alarm bells to ring in Brussels and Washington.
Greek PM Tsipras arrives in St Petersburg as the Eurogroup prepares to meet in Brussels http://t.co/NNxNiRjQSe pic.twitter.com/xbwkTf2dum
The Greek PM is attending an economic forum in St Petersburg, and is due to meet President Putin tomorrow.
This has fuelled talk that Moscow could offer Athens some help - perhaps a credit line, to help it handle debt repayments.
Greek officials have been defending the trip, though, arguing they are allowed to pursue a ‘multi-dimensional foreign policy’. And after all, Germany does a lot of business with Russia (before the Ukraine sanctions, anyway)
#Greece as full member of #EU has right 2 have multi-dimensional f/policy" Costas Isychos, travelling w Grk PM to Russia, tells me
"Why should Germany have the monopoly of commercial relats w Russia?" says Costas Isychos, part of #Greek delegation, in St Petersburg
11.15am BST11:15
There are reports swirling that the European Commission and the European Central Bank are drafting some kind of statement on the issue of Greek debt relief.
Not clear exactly what, at this stage, so we’ll keep you posted.
EU Commission & ECB drafting statement on debt relief for #Greece, Brussels source tells @Elbarbie. But may be repeat of pledge Samaras got
The EC and ECB have been resisting pressure from Athens, and the IMF, to consider the issue of Greece’s debt pile, which appears simply unsustainable at 180% of GDP.
My colleague Heather Stewart has looked at this issue, and explains:
When debt repayments reach a certain level, they undermine social solidarity because governments struggle to afford investment in schools, health and public services. And they undermine economic growth, because the state has to divert resources that could be spent on infrastructure, training and export support towards its foreign creditors.
Great piece by @heatherstewart3 on the burden of Greece's debt http://t.co/DQMrkWNUWw
10.58am BST10:5810.58am BST10:58
Bank of Greece governor Yannis Stournaras continues to be criticised by government MPs today, after warning yesterday of an “uncontrollable crisis” unless a deal is reached:Bank of Greece governor Yannis Stournaras continues to be criticised by government MPs today, after warning yesterday of an “uncontrollable crisis” unless a deal is reached:
#BOG gov #YannisStournaras focus of lawsuit by Syriza MP who accuses him of panic-mongering w his warnings of econ collapse#BOG gov #YannisStournaras focus of lawsuit by Syriza MP who accuses him of panic-mongering w his warnings of econ collapse
10.52am BST10:5210.52am BST10:52
In Athens, talk of euro exit is rifeIn Athens, talk of euro exit is rife
Helena SmithHelena Smith
Over in Athens there has been some fighting talk from senior members of the governing far left Syriza party this morning, reports our correspondent Helena Smith.Over in Athens there has been some fighting talk from senior members of the governing far left Syriza party this morning, reports our correspondent Helena Smith.
With no signs of a deal in sight, leading Syriza party cadres are now being asked, outright, whether euro exit is on the cards.With no signs of a deal in sight, leading Syriza party cadres are now being asked, outright, whether euro exit is on the cards.
Speaking to Mega TV this morning, the party’s hardline social security minister Dimitris Stratoulis said the leftist-led government had already “taken measures” to ensure that ordinary Greeks did not suffer in the event of an agreement not being reached.Speaking to Mega TV this morning, the party’s hardline social security minister Dimitris Stratoulis said the leftist-led government had already “taken measures” to ensure that ordinary Greeks did not suffer in the event of an agreement not being reached.
“We have seen to it that people won’t have a problem if we reach the point of having to say the big no,” he said, insisting that if Athens did not pay the IMF the €1.6bn it owes at the end of the month it would not amount to a credit event (default).“We have seen to it that people won’t have a problem if we reach the point of having to say the big no,” he said, insisting that if Athens did not pay the IMF the €1.6bn it owes at the end of the month it would not amount to a credit event (default).
Presumably, with that in mind, Stratoulis also said that the government would have the means to pay public sector salaries and pensions “in July, August, September, October etc.”Presumably, with that in mind, Stratoulis also said that the government would have the means to pay public sector salaries and pensions “in July, August, September, October etc.”
“If we are forced to say the big no the difficulties will last for a few months …. but the consequences will be much worse for Europe.”“If we are forced to say the big no the difficulties will last for a few months …. but the consequences will be much worse for Europe.”
In comments highlighting the government’s determination not to give in Thanasis Petrakos, Syriza’s parliamentary spokesman, reiterated that Athens would not give in to the “irrational demands” of lenders. Thanasis Petrakos, Syriza’s parliamentary spokesman, reiterated that Athens would not give in to the “irrational demands” of lenders.
“We want to stay in the euro zone but we will not submit to blackmail, if our partners want to be logical we will come to an agreement,” he said told Star TV. “Currencies aren’t a religion,” he said to the surprise of the startled news anchor Popi Tsapanidou.“We want to stay in the euro zone but we will not submit to blackmail, if our partners want to be logical we will come to an agreement,” he said told Star TV. “Currencies aren’t a religion,” he said to the surprise of the startled news anchor Popi Tsapanidou.
“Who said currencies are a religion? Nothing of the sort is written in our constitution.”“Who said currencies are a religion? Nothing of the sort is written in our constitution.”
What was most important was that Greece did not return to the era of “memoranda” (the bailout agreement), he arguedWhat was most important was that Greece did not return to the era of “memoranda” (the bailout agreement), he argued
Kostas Lapavitsas, the London University economics professor who is now a Syriza MP, agreed.Kostas Lapavitsas, the London University economics professor who is now a Syriza MP, agreed.
“That would mean death,” Lapavitsas told Star TV. “Now that we are in the euro what lenders are dong essentially means we have limited sovereignty.”“That would mean death,” Lapavitsas told Star TV. “Now that we are in the euro what lenders are dong essentially means we have limited sovereignty.”
Any “adjustment period” that did take place in event of euro exit would only last a few months, he said.Any “adjustment period” that did take place in event of euro exit would only last a few months, he said.
“The idea that we can’t live with our own currency is absurd.”“The idea that we can’t live with our own currency is absurd.”
Updated at 11.03am BST Updated at 11.18am BST
10.48am BST10:4810.48am BST10:48
Moscovici: Eurogroup will be difficult, but solution is possibleMoscovici: Eurogroup will be difficult, but solution is possible
European commissioner Pierre Moscovici has predicted that today’s eurogroup meeting will be ‘difficult’, Reuters reports (possibly winning a prize for understatement).European commissioner Pierre Moscovici has predicted that today’s eurogroup meeting will be ‘difficult’, Reuters reports (possibly winning a prize for understatement).
Moscovici told reporters that a solution can still be found, even at this late hour, if there are cool heads and political will.Moscovici told reporters that a solution can still be found, even at this late hour, if there are cool heads and political will.
“Today’s meeting might not be conclusive, we all know that, but it must be useful. It must be a meeting that opens the way for a solution, if we cannot find it today. We’ll try, we must try.”.
But the ball is still in the Greek court, he added (a phrase we have heard quite enough this week)But the ball is still in the Greek court, he added (a phrase we have heard quite enough this week)
. @pierremoscovici 30th of June program expires markets r watching us.Solution not only possible but necessary pic.twitter.com/UtRxGYb5n1. @pierremoscovici 30th of June program expires markets r watching us.Solution not only possible but necessary pic.twitter.com/UtRxGYb5n1
Updated at 11.03am BST Updated at 11.15am BST
10.43am BST10:4310.43am BST10:43
Belgium’s finance minister, Johan Van Overtveldt, has told reporters in Luxembourg that today’s meeting “all depends” on what Greece proposes.Belgium’s finance minister, Johan Van Overtveldt, has told reporters in Luxembourg that today’s meeting “all depends” on what Greece proposes.
He told reporters:He told reporters:
“We’ll see what they bring to the table. I don’t know whatMr Varoufakis is coming up with. If there are reasonable proposals we will discuss them.“We’ll see what they bring to the table. I don’t know whatMr Varoufakis is coming up with. If there are reasonable proposals we will discuss them.
10.39am BST10:3910.39am BST10:39
Some European finance ministers are already arriving in Luxembourg for the eurogroup meeting, but most of them are staying silent.Some European finance ministers are already arriving in Luxembourg for the eurogroup meeting, but most of them are staying silent.
And @yanisvaroufakis just walked in. Not a single word.And @yanisvaroufakis just walked in. Not a single word.
Spanish Finance Minister De Guindos. No comment. Not a very talkative crowd this morning pic.twitter.com/M8CX1B8XZxSpanish Finance Minister De Guindos. No comment. Not a very talkative crowd this morning pic.twitter.com/M8CX1B8XZx
* Belgian finmin, asked if worried about Greece, replies "who isn't" - RTRS* Belgian finmin, asked if worried about Greece, replies "who isn't" - RTRS
10.32am BST10:3210.32am BST10:32
Eek. The Athens stock market is now down 3.5%, extending those early losses.Eek. The Athens stock market is now down 3.5%, extending those early losses.
Alpha Bank shares has tumbled almost 9%, with Piraeus Bank down 6.8% and Eurobank down 5.3%Alpha Bank shares has tumbled almost 9%, with Piraeus Bank down 6.8% and Eurobank down 5.3%
10.30am BST10:3010.30am BST10:30
Amid all the trouble and strife gripping Greece, it’s emerged that Alexis Tsipras’s domestic bliss is also on the line.Amid all the trouble and strife gripping Greece, it’s emerged that Alexis Tsipras’s domestic bliss is also on the line.
The Greek prime minister reportedly admitted to French president Francois Hollande that his partner, Peristera (Betty) Baziana, would leave him if he caves in to Greece’s creditors.The Greek prime minister reportedly admitted to French president Francois Hollande that his partner, Peristera (Betty) Baziana, would leave him if he caves in to Greece’s creditors.
That’s according to French satirical magazine Le Canard Enchaîné, which claims Hollande said:That’s according to French satirical magazine Le Canard Enchaîné, which claims Hollande said:
“[Tsipras] informed me that if he gave in to too many of the troika’s demands, he risked not only losing his party but also his partner, who is a fierce militant and is much farther left of him.”“[Tsipras] informed me that if he gave in to too many of the troika’s demands, he risked not only losing his party but also his partner, who is a fierce militant and is much farther left of him.”
won't anyone think of Tsipras' marriage? https://t.co/LhMDjY2UIEwon't anyone think of Tsipras' marriage? https://t.co/LhMDjY2UIE
Tsipras: wife will leave if I surrender to #Europe http://t.co/nhBU1UEYXa pic.twitter.com/2dlfuimlaETsipras: wife will leave if I surrender to #Europe http://t.co/nhBU1UEYXa pic.twitter.com/2dlfuimlaE
Alexis and Betty have known each other for decades; she’s credited with having encouraging him to join the communist party.Alexis and Betty have known each other for decades; she’s credited with having encouraging him to join the communist party.
As we wrote back in January:As we wrote back in January:
The two have kept their 30-year relationship largely out of the public eye. Unlike the first ladies that have come before her, Batziana has so far stayed away from the glamour that will come with the Maximos mansion, the official seat of the Greek prime minister.The two have kept their 30-year relationship largely out of the public eye. Unlike the first ladies that have come before her, Batziana has so far stayed away from the glamour that will come with the Maximos mansion, the official seat of the Greek prime minister.
The flat she shares with her partner and their two young sons is in the heart of working class district Kypseli, in Athens.The flat she shares with her partner and their two young sons is in the heart of working class district Kypseli, in Athens.
Related: Peristera Batziana: partner of 30 years to Alexis Tsipras, ‘Betty’ to the peopleRelated: Peristera Batziana: partner of 30 years to Alexis Tsipras, ‘Betty’ to the people
10.17am BST10:1710.17am BST10:17
Heads-up. The head of the Eurogroup will speak to the media around 1.15pm BST (3.15pm Athens time).Heads-up. The head of the Eurogroup will speak to the media around 1.15pm BST (3.15pm Athens time).
That’s before today’s meeting of finance ministers kicks off (so to speak).That’s before today’s meeting of finance ministers kicks off (so to speak).
Doorstep #eurogroup around 2:15pm in LuxembourgDoorstep #eurogroup around 2:15pm in Luxembourg
There’s a lot on the agenda, apart from Greece, so the meeting could last until 7pm BST.There’s a lot on the agenda, apart from Greece, so the meeting could last until 7pm BST.
Expectations, as I flagged up in the introduction, are not high. Or, as Hans Nichols of Bloomberg put it:Expectations, as I flagged up in the introduction, are not high. Or, as Hans Nichols of Bloomberg put it:
They’re below low. They’re subterranean.They’re below low. They’re subterranean.
Good morning Mr @J_Dijsselbloem: shall we just call off today's Eurogroup meeting & use the time for something more constructive? #GreeceGood morning Mr @J_Dijsselbloem: shall we just call off today's Eurogroup meeting & use the time for something more constructive? #Greece
Updated at 10.28am BSTUpdated at 10.28am BST
10.02am BST10:0210.02am BST10:02
With shares down across Europe, traders are bracing for a long, painful summer, says David Madden of IG:With shares down across Europe, traders are bracing for a long, painful summer, says David Madden of IG:
The word ‘default’ is being bandied around the trading floor even more so, and there are only so many times dealers will stare at the sea of red screens before they jump ship. The left-wing Syriza is determined it will not be the first one to blink and the ECB continues to stand its ground, but playing chicken with people who have nothing to lose is a dangerous game.The word ‘default’ is being bandied around the trading floor even more so, and there are only so many times dealers will stare at the sea of red screens before they jump ship. The left-wing Syriza is determined it will not be the first one to blink and the ECB continues to stand its ground, but playing chicken with people who have nothing to lose is a dangerous game.
The pressure is intense, even by Greek debt crisis standards, and one by one dealers are ducking of out the market.The pressure is intense, even by Greek debt crisis standards, and one by one dealers are ducking of out the market.
9.52am BST09:529.52am BST09:52
Greek stock market hits three-year lowGreek stock market hits three-year low
Greece’s stock market has fallen almost 2% in early trading, hitting a new three-year low.Greece’s stock market has fallen almost 2% in early trading, hitting a new three-year low.
#Greece's Athex share index hits fresh 3yr low below 670. pic.twitter.com/o8AmLJfXAV#Greece's Athex share index hits fresh 3yr low below 670. pic.twitter.com/o8AmLJfXAV
The Athens market has now shed 18% of its value since last Thursday (!), in a broad-based and unnerving rout.The Athens market has now shed 18% of its value since last Thursday (!), in a broad-based and unnerving rout.
Shares jumped last week on the back of reports that Germany was open to a ‘staggered deal’ for Greece, but has been sliding since as both sides have entrenched their positions.Shares jumped last week on the back of reports that Germany was open to a ‘staggered deal’ for Greece, but has been sliding since as both sides have entrenched their positions.
9.40am BST09:409.40am BST09:40
Euclid Tsakalotos has also told France’s Libération that Greece’s people could be asked to vote on its future, echoing his comments on the Today Programme.Euclid Tsakalotos has also told France’s Libération that Greece’s people could be asked to vote on its future, echoing his comments on the Today Programme.
Tsakalotos to @libe: If the choice is btw austerity inside the euro or leave the euro, it will be up to Greek people to say its opinion.Tsakalotos to @libe: If the choice is btw austerity inside the euro or leave the euro, it will be up to Greek people to say its opinion.
Updated at 9.43am BSTUpdated at 9.43am BST
9.31am BST09:319.31am BST09:31
#Greece "currencies aren't a religion" says ruling Syriza party's parliamentary spokesman Thanasis Petrakos#Greece "currencies aren't a religion" says ruling Syriza party's parliamentary spokesman Thanasis Petrakos
9.31am BST09:319.31am BST09:31
Greek government "will go to the people" if no dealGreek government "will go to the people" if no deal
The Athens government could call fresh elections or a referendum if it cannot get an acceptable deal, chief negotiator Euclid Tsakalotos suggests.The Athens government could call fresh elections or a referendum if it cannot get an acceptable deal, chief negotiator Euclid Tsakalotos suggests.
Asked for his contingency plan in case Greece leaves the euro, he replies:Asked for his contingency plan in case Greece leaves the euro, he replies:
Our position is that if we have an economically feasible plan that doesn’t create recession and continue the debt trap we will sign.Our position is that if we have an economically feasible plan that doesn’t create recession and continue the debt trap we will sign.
If we don’t, we have to go to the Greek people because we have no mandate to leave the euro, and that would be a very bad eventuality.If we don’t, we have to go to the Greek people because we have no mandate to leave the euro, and that would be a very bad eventuality.
But we will consult the Greek people. Becuase our mandate was the best possible deal within the euro, as we are pro-European.But we will consult the Greek people. Becuase our mandate was the best possible deal within the euro, as we are pro-European.
If that is not on the cards, and if Europe says you can do whatever you want, you can vote what you want but in the end you always have to do the same policies, then we’ll have to reconsider with the Greek people what to do about that.If that is not on the cards, and if Europe says you can do whatever you want, you can vote what you want but in the end you always have to do the same policies, then we’ll have to reconsider with the Greek people what to do about that.
9.24am BST09:249.24am BST09:24
While Merkel was addressing the German parliament, Greece’s chief negotiator was warning the British people that Europe could be plunged into Depression-era economics if Greece were to leave the euro.While Merkel was addressing the German parliament, Greece’s chief negotiator was warning the British people that Europe could be plunged into Depression-era economics if Greece were to leave the euro.
Speaking on the Today Programme, Euclid Tsakalotos argued that Grexit would radically change the nature of the single currencySpeaking on the Today Programme, Euclid Tsakalotos argued that Grexit would radically change the nature of the single currency
My greatest fear as a progressive person, Taskalotos said, is that:My greatest fear as a progressive person, Taskalotos said, is that:
“once one country has left, you change a monetary union into a fixed exchange rate system, where it’s a cost-benefit analysis whether another country leaves”.“once one country has left, you change a monetary union into a fixed exchange rate system, where it’s a cost-benefit analysis whether another country leaves”.
My greatest fear is that the break-up of the euro will return (us) to the competitive devaluations, and the nationalisms, and the kind of politics we had in the 1930s.”My greatest fear is that the break-up of the euro will return (us) to the competitive devaluations, and the nationalisms, and the kind of politics we had in the 1930s.”
But if Greece stays in, isn’t the lesson to other countries with similar problems is ‘we don’t actually need to pay our debt’?But if Greece stays in, isn’t the lesson to other countries with similar problems is ‘we don’t actually need to pay our debt’?
No, Tsakalotos argues. the lesson is that we need to stop financial markets going on a lending spree:No, Tsakalotos argues. the lesson is that we need to stop financial markets going on a lending spree:
When someone has borrowed too much, someone else has lent too much...When someone has borrowed too much, someone else has lent too much...
Cue much spluttering from John Humphrys - That’s like a drunk blaming the barman for selling him the drink.Cue much spluttering from John Humphrys - That’s like a drunk blaming the barman for selling him the drink.
Tsakalotos won’t take this lying down; he reminds Humphrys that Greece’s debt/GDP ratio has done up from 129% to 180% since its first bailout programme began. A different approach is needed.Tsakalotos won’t take this lying down; he reminds Humphrys that Greece’s debt/GDP ratio has done up from 129% to 180% since its first bailout programme began. A different approach is needed.
Updated at 9.33am BSTUpdated at 9.33am BST
9.04am BST09:049.04am BST09:04
Oppermann of the SPD went on to talk about the British referendum on EU membership, which could be held as early as next year. He is hoping for a yes vote, saying:Oppermann of the SPD went on to talk about the British referendum on EU membership, which could be held as early as next year. He is hoping for a yes vote, saying:
Britain is a great political, economic and cultural force in Europe.Britain is a great political, economic and cultural force in Europe.
We owe Britain a lot – it gave us the first parliamentary democracy.We owe Britain a lot – it gave us the first parliamentary democracy.
He mentioned Magna Carta, and the fact that many Britons lost their lives in the battle against Hitler Germany.He mentioned Magna Carta, and the fact that many Britons lost their lives in the battle against Hitler Germany.
Without Britain, the EU’s foreign policy would have less weight.Without Britain, the EU’s foreign policy would have less weight.
But Europe can’t function like a sweet dispenser where everyone picks the best bits.But Europe can’t function like a sweet dispenser where everyone picks the best bits.
Europe does not work if everyone thinks only of their own advantages.Europe does not work if everyone thinks only of their own advantages.
If the “I” becomes a “we” we can emerge from the crisis.If the “I” becomes a “we” we can emerge from the crisis.
Updated at 9.09am BSTUpdated at 9.09am BST
8.54am BST08:548.54am BST08:54
Following Merkel’s speech, Gregor Gysi, of the Left Party, launched a blistering attack on the German government’s eurozone policies. Now Thomas Oppermann, who heads up the Social Democrat group in the Bundestag, has warned that “time is running out” for Greece.Following Merkel’s speech, Gregor Gysi, of the Left Party, launched a blistering attack on the German government’s eurozone policies. Now Thomas Oppermann, who heads up the Social Democrat group in the Bundestag, has warned that “time is running out” for Greece.
He accused the Syriza government, elected in January, of wasting its first few months in office by giving interviews – “I find this irresponsible.” He added that he got the impression that the Greek government didn’t really want to negotiate, and took issue with its branding of the IMF as “criminal”. But, he said:He accused the Syriza government, elected in January, of wasting its first few months in office by giving interviews – “I find this irresponsible.” He added that he got the impression that the Greek government didn’t really want to negotiate, and took issue with its branding of the IMF as “criminal”. But, he said:
It’s five to 12. I still hope we can get a fair solution.It’s five to 12. I still hope we can get a fair solution.
#Gregor Gysi (Die Linke) delivers scathing attack of German #Eurozone politics in Bundestag - says its breaking down the idea of Europe.#Gregor Gysi (Die Linke) delivers scathing attack of German #Eurozone politics in Bundestag - says its breaking down the idea of Europe.
8.48am BST08:488.48am BST08:48
Europe’s stock markets are in the red again, despite Merkel’s pledge to keep working towards a Greek deal.Europe’s stock markets are in the red again, despite Merkel’s pledge to keep working towards a Greek deal.
Most indices are at fresh four-month lows:Most indices are at fresh four-month lows:
8.45am BST08:458.45am BST08:45
Merkel this morning reiterates that Germany's goal is to keep #Greece in Euro.Merkel this morning reiterates that Germany's goal is to keep #Greece in Euro.
8.44am BST08:448.44am BST08:44
#Merkel didn't sound ready to compromise at all. She didn't talk about the hardships for the Greek, but about how #Greece failed to deliver.#Merkel didn't sound ready to compromise at all. She didn't talk about the hardships for the Greek, but about how #Greece failed to deliver.
8.41am BST08:418.41am BST08:41
As usual, Merkel delivered a very measured speech. The only stab at passion was when she said the euro is far more than just a currency.As usual, Merkel delivered a very measured speech. The only stab at passion was when she said the euro is far more than just a currency.
Updated at 8.42am BSTUpdated at 8.42am BST
8.31am BST08:318.31am BST08:31
#Merkel addressing the Bundestag: goal is to keep #Greece in euro, deal with creditors "is still possible". Really not a passionate speech.#Merkel addressing the Bundestag: goal is to keep #Greece in euro, deal with creditors "is still possible". Really not a passionate speech.
8.29am BST08:298.29am BST08:29
8.28am BST08:288.28am BST08:28
Merkel ends speech. No room for concessions to #Greece visible in her speech.Merkel ends speech. No room for concessions to #Greece visible in her speech.
8.26am BST08:268.26am BST08:26
That concludes Merkel’s statement – she has received a lot of applause from MPs in the German parliament.That concludes Merkel’s statement – she has received a lot of applause from MPs in the German parliament.
8.26am BST08:268.26am BST08:26
Merkel: A deal is still possibleMerkel: A deal is still possible
Merkel is now talking about Greece.Merkel is now talking about Greece.
Greece was on a good path, but it has not been completed. It has dragged its heels on necessary structural reforms.Greece was on a good path, but it has not been completed. It has dragged its heels on necessary structural reforms.
She is heckled when she says: “Self-responsibility and solidarity go hand in hand.”She is heckled when she says: “Self-responsibility and solidarity go hand in hand.”
She reiterates that Germany is working to keep Greece in the euro, using her mantra “where there is a will, there is a way”. A deal is still possible with Greece’s three international creditors – the EU, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank.She reiterates that Germany is working to keep Greece in the euro, using her mantra “where there is a will, there is a way”. A deal is still possible with Greece’s three international creditors – the EU, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank.
Merkel: #Euro far more than a currencyMerkel: #Euro far more than a currency
Updated at 9.04am BSTUpdated at 9.04am BST
8.23am BST08:238.23am BST08:23
Merkel says the EU summit next week won’t discuss Britain’s demands for EU reforms, but Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, will be asked to examine them. But, Merkel stresses, the principle of freedom of movement within the EU is not up for debate.Merkel says the EU summit next week won’t discuss Britain’s demands for EU reforms, but Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, will be asked to examine them. But, Merkel stresses, the principle of freedom of movement within the EU is not up for debate.
The German chancellor says it’s not the first time that a member state has sought to clarify its role within the EU, but in the end, compromises were always found. She mentions Denmark in 1992 and Ireland in 2008.The German chancellor says it’s not the first time that a member state has sought to clarify its role within the EU, but in the end, compromises were always found. She mentions Denmark in 1992 and Ireland in 2008.
I’m confident that we can achieve this this time. [i.e. keep Britain in the EU]I’m confident that we can achieve this this time. [i.e. keep Britain in the EU]
Updated at 8.39am BSTUpdated at 8.39am BST
8.22am BST08:228.22am BST08:22
Merkel: #Euro far more than a currencyMerkel: #Euro far more than a currency
Updated at 8.24am BSTUpdated at 8.24am BST
8.18am BST08:188.18am BST08:18
On to Brexit: Merkel says she wants Britain to continue to be an “active partner in a strong EU”.On to Brexit: Merkel says she wants Britain to continue to be an “active partner in a strong EU”.
Britain needs to figure out itself what role it wants to play in Europe, she says.Britain needs to figure out itself what role it wants to play in Europe, she says.
Updated at 8.34am BSTUpdated at 8.34am BST
8.15am BST08:158.15am BST08:15
Merkel is now talking about the eurozone. France and Germany will be pushing for the coordination of economic policies within the current treaties – to boost competitiveness and jobs, she says. This means more structural reforms by member states.Merkel is now talking about the eurozone. France and Germany will be pushing for the coordination of economic policies within the current treaties – to boost competitiveness and jobs, she says. This means more structural reforms by member states.
8.08am BST08:088.08am BST08:08
8.07am BST08:078.07am BST08:07
The EU summit will address immigration policy, she says, particularly the “tragedies” in the Mediterranean. Thousands of migrants have died trying to cross the Mediterranean in recent months, and thousands of others have been rescued.The EU summit will address immigration policy, she says, particularly the “tragedies” in the Mediterranean. Thousands of migrants have died trying to cross the Mediterranean in recent months, and thousands of others have been rescued.
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After a brief mic malfunction, Merkel is speaking now.After a brief mic malfunction, Merkel is speaking now.
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Angela Merkel addresses German parliamentAngela Merkel addresses German parliament
German chancellor Angela Merkel is due to give a statement on next week’s EU summit in the German parliament shortly. You can watch it live here.German chancellor Angela Merkel is due to give a statement on next week’s EU summit in the German parliament shortly. You can watch it live here.
Updated at 8.09am BSTUpdated at 8.09am BST
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French finance minister: Grexit would be a catastropheFrench finance minister: Grexit would be a catastrophe
French finance minister Michel Sapin has set the tone for today’s meeting by warning it would be a “total catastrophe” for Greece if Athens left the eurozone.French finance minister Michel Sapin has set the tone for today’s meeting by warning it would be a “total catastrophe” for Greece if Athens left the eurozone.
France was doing all it could to find a deal, he told the France Info radio, adding:France was doing all it could to find a deal, he told the France Info radio, adding:
“We will fight till the end to find an agreement with Greece.”“We will fight till the end to find an agreement with Greece.”
Updated at 8.01am BSTUpdated at 8.01am BST
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Europe’s stock markets are expected to fall again today, extending recent losses, as investors watch the Greece crisis play out.Europe’s stock markets are expected to fall again today, extending recent losses, as investors watch the Greece crisis play out.
Here’s the pre-market predictions:Here’s the pre-market predictions:
Last night, Fed chief Janet Yellen warned there will be “spillover effects” across the financial markets if the Greek crisis ends badly.Last night, Fed chief Janet Yellen warned there will be “spillover effects” across the financial markets if the Greek crisis ends badly.
Michael Hewson of CMC Markets confirms that hopes for today’s meeting aren’t high:Michael Hewson of CMC Markets confirms that hopes for today’s meeting aren’t high:
Today’s Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg has been touted as the “last chance saloon” for Greece to agree a deal in time for the end of June.Today’s Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg has been touted as the “last chance saloon” for Greece to agree a deal in time for the end of June.
Regrettably the meeting is likely to come and go without any deal given that Greek officials have refused to submit any fresh proposals, and Greek Prime Minister is jetting off to Russia to see President Putin, which means we may well get some talks over the weekend.Regrettably the meeting is likely to come and go without any deal given that Greek officials have refused to submit any fresh proposals, and Greek Prime Minister is jetting off to Russia to see President Putin, which means we may well get some talks over the weekend.
In a sign of how bad things have got the Greek central bank broke with convention and abandoned its neutrality by criticising its incumbent government for the policies it was implementing, in a sign of the fissures opening up in the Greek establishment.In a sign of how bad things have got the Greek central bank broke with convention and abandoned its neutrality by criticising its incumbent government for the policies it was implementing, in a sign of the fissures opening up in the Greek establishment.
Updated at 7.53am BSTUpdated at 7.53am BST
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Introduction: Eurogroup meets, but hopes aren't highIntroduction: Eurogroup meets, but hopes aren't high
Good morning.Good morning.
Finance ministers from across the eurozone are heading to Luxembourg today to discuss Greece, which has less than a fortnight to reach a deal with creditors before its bailout expires.Finance ministers from across the eurozone are heading to Luxembourg today to discuss Greece, which has less than a fortnight to reach a deal with creditors before its bailout expires.
Hopes of a breakthrough are desperately low, though, despite fears of looming capital controls and Greece’s membership of the EU now at stake.Hopes of a breakthrough are desperately low, though, despite fears of looming capital controls and Greece’s membership of the EU now at stake.
Today’s Eurogroup meeting had been inked in as the moment where Europe could rubber stamp a deal; instead, it could be another missed opportunity to make progress.Today’s Eurogroup meeting had been inked in as the moment where Europe could rubber stamp a deal; instead, it could be another missed opportunity to make progress.
Both sides expect the other to make the next move, to close the gap between the measures Greece is prepared to take in return for bailout aid, and what creditors demand. Athens’ insistence that debt relief is needed - and Europe’s reluctance to address this - mean it could be a short discussion.Both sides expect the other to make the next move, to close the gap between the measures Greece is prepared to take in return for bailout aid, and what creditors demand. Athens’ insistence that debt relief is needed - and Europe’s reluctance to address this - mean it could be a short discussion.
And without a deal very soon, Greece will simply be unable to repay the IMF the €1.6bn it owes on June 30.And without a deal very soon, Greece will simply be unable to repay the IMF the €1.6bn it owes on June 30.
Today's @guardian on #Greece: "can't pay, won't pay", and the striking numbers on unemployment, cuts pic.twitter.com/eDXt3SQ98SToday's @guardian on #Greece: "can't pay, won't pay", and the striking numbers on unemployment, cuts pic.twitter.com/eDXt3SQ98S
Last night, Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis told ITN News he doesn’t expect a deal today, even though time is desperately short.Last night, Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis told ITN News he doesn’t expect a deal today, even though time is desperately short.
“This is the 11th hour.”“This is the 11th hour.”
“The only sensible proposals on the table at the moment are those that we have tabled. The other side have not come to the party,”“The only sensible proposals on the table at the moment are those that we have tabled. The other side have not come to the party,”
The other side, though, insist that it’s Greece’s move in this long-running saga.The other side, though, insist that it’s Greece’s move in this long-running saga.
The meeting takes place this afternoon, but we should hear from ministers through the morning as they make their way to the meeting.The meeting takes place this afternoon, but we should hear from ministers through the morning as they make their way to the meeting.
We’re also watching out for comments from Angela Merkel this morning, when she addresses MPs in Berlin.We’re also watching out for comments from Angela Merkel this morning, when she addresses MPs in Berlin.
#grexit merkel delivers govt statement to bundestag thur morn on next week's eu summit. she always does that on summit day, not a week early#grexit merkel delivers govt statement to bundestag thur morn on next week's eu summit. she always does that on summit day, not a week early
We will be tracking all the key developments through the day...We will be tracking all the key developments through the day...
Updated at 9.38am BSTUpdated at 9.38am BST