Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis was briefed Wednesday by national economy and finance minister George Alogoskoufis on the meetings of the EU economy and finance ministers (ECOFIN) and the Euro group the minister attended on Monday.

After the meeting, Alogoskoufis told waiting reporters that the economic situation in Europe appeared to be improving, although there seemed to be stagnation, for the time being. He also noted the concern that existed due to the high petrol prices and their repercussions on growth, revenues and inflation.

Alogoskoufis said that, given this specific state of affairs, the developments in the Greek economy were "very positive", as the rate of growth was increasing and the deficits were declining without a simultaneous increase in unemployment.

He said it was important that the country achieve its fiscal adaptation without repercussions on unemployment, and stressed that the economy was anticipating a boost from the growth in the European economy.

The minister further noted the fact that there was a stable government in Germany was a positive factor.

Ministry sources told ANA that there was no issue of introducing additional direct taxes or increasing indirect taxes.

Source: Athens News Agency

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