Mariano Rajoy believes that agreement between Greece and EU is indeed possible because "progress has been made"

Brussels

In a short statement to the media, Mariano Rajoy stressed that we can allow ourselves to be optimistic because "we are in the last stages of the second programme" and "progress has been made".

The President of the Government explained that "Greece has already tabled a proposal in which it effectively backs down from many of the things it said previously and I believe that is highly positive". Therefore, he added, "we can definitely allow ourselves to be more optimistic".

The President of the Government said "more effort" and "hard work" is still needed to finally reach that agreement between the European partners and Greece. In his opinion, "Greece knows it has the solidarity of Europe" although "that needs to be combined with responsibility, meeting agreements and following through on commitments".

Spain will adopt a "constructive" position

As regards Spain's position, Mariano Rajoy stressed it will be "constructive" although "one needs to act responsibly in life when one is asking for help". In short, the President of the Government said that "we are going to work hard over the next few hours and I hope that we can reach an agreement".