The Netherlands has begun secretly preparing Dutch firms for an eventual Greek exit from the eurozone, the Volkskrant reports on Monday.
The paper says diplomats in Athens have been making an inventory of the risks, planning emergency measures and have even held a secret meeting with companies.
The paper says the measures are sensitive because the Dutch government publicly states Greece must remain in the eurozone and because speculation about Greece’s withdrawal could hurt the Greek economy even more.
‘We kept this behind closed doors deliberately. We do not want to awaken any sleeping giants,’ one diplomat told the paper.
The meeting with Dutch companies was held in June and companies used to it exchange information about their preparations for a Greek exit. For example, some firms have made their financial systems ready to deal with a new currency.
However, fears that Greece may leave the eurozone have been dampened in recent months, the paper points out.
The foreign affairs ministry refused to comment on the claims because of ‘security concerns’, the Volkskrant said.
(source: Volkskrant, dutch news)
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