European Commission Task Force Arrives In Athens

A European Commission Task Force, headed by Horst Reichenbach, launches officially today initiatives to support Greece proceed with reforms.
This Task Force is considered more powerful than Troika’s team. This is a group of technocrats with Commissioner Olli Rehn as direct supervisor.
The team would consist of European Commission and EU member states officials, and requests for participation have already exceeded 500, according to Rehn.
Middle-level executives have already visited ministries and public organizations seeking issues for technical support. Although, officially the main agenda item is the National Strategic Reference Framework, it is considered clear that the substantial objective is to implement the terms of Memorandum of Understanding and promote necessary reforms.
The meeting between Reichenback and Greek FinMin Evangelos Venizelos is scheduled for Tuesday, the first day of his arrival in Athens, is considered indicative. The former vice president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is a man of Barroso’s absolute confidence, while his team would include also representatives of Greece’s lenders, who can propose measures.
EU officials say that the Task Force’s role would expand as time passes, while there would be increased collateral’s in case Greece receives the next aid installment and the second bailout loan.
The aim is to avoid the repeat of slowdowns and delays in implementation of the memorandum, which provides reforms in public utilities and sector, healthcare system, insurance system, closed professions, etc.
Many government officials anticipated this team in order to overcome intraparty and union pressures in areas of great influence. But there are also government executives who clamour for loss of national sovereignty in exchange for a new loan.
(source: capital)