EU extends Greece's post-programme surveillance by six months, abolishes mission chief position

The European Commission extended Greece's post-programme surveillance by six months, it announced on Friday.

The extension, it said, is "a normal and expected process" that ensures continued support for the implementation of reforms agreed under Greece's stability support programme, and in line with the Greek authorities' commitments.

Implementation of these reforms, the Commission said, "is crucial to further strengthening Greece's economic recovery."

In addition, the Commission announced that it had discontinued the possition of mission chief for Greece. Declan Costello, who held this position, is appointed deputy director general at the Directorate‑General for Economic and Financial Affairs. As it explained, "Costello's departure from his position as mission chief follows the successful conclusion of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) stability support programme last summer, and the position will not be filled again."

The next Enhanced Surveillance report will be published in autumn, it said.