Joaquin Almunia
Economy
European Commission Clears Restructuring Plans of NBG & Piraeus Bank
The European Commission announced on Wednesday that it has found the restructuring plans of the National Bank of Greece (NBG) and Piraeus Bank - including the integration of several Greek banks - to be in line with EU state...
Economy
Commission Authorises €36 million Aid for Investments in Greek Electricity Infrastructure
The European Commission has found that public support to seven projects aimed at improving and expanding the Greek electricity network complies with EU state aid rules. Those projects will contribute to ensuring the security of energy supply by improving...
Crime
EU Says Greek Bank Deposits Safe
The European Union has rebutted a claim by a member of the major opposition party Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) said that Greece's international lenders might authorize partial confiscation of guaranteed bank accounts - similar to what Cyprus...
Economy
Aegean Finally Seals Olympic Air Purchase
Aegean has finally completed the purchase of its fellow Greek airline Olympic for €72 million.
The two airlines had originally agreed on a merger in 2010 but this first attempt to bring the companies together was blocked by the European...
Greece
Aegean, Olympic Air Plan Takeover Details
With the European Union giving the okay for Aegean Airlines to take over Olympic Air, the companies are putting together plans to complete the merger.
EU Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said that “It is clear that, due to the ongoing...
Business
EU Probes Aegean-Olympic Merger Plan
European Union anti-trust authorities say they have opened a full investigation into a renewed attempt by Aegean Airlines in Greece to take over its rival, Olympic Air, after it had previously been rejected.
The European Commission said that the merger...
Economy
EU OKs Greek Plan to Extend OPAP Exclusive Rights
The European Commission has authorised Greece, under EU state aid rules, to prolong until 2030 exclusive rights granted to OPAP, the Greek public gambling operator, to operate 13 games of chance, and to grant an exclusive licence to the...
Economy
EU Gives Temporary Okay for Recapitalization of Banks
The EU Commission gave its temporary green light to the recapitalization of the main Greek banks - Alpha Bank, EFG Eurobank, Piaeus Bank and National Bank of Greece - through the Hellenic financial stability fund.
"Greek banks are currently operating...
Economy
Almunia: Europe Should be Ready to Give Greece More Cash
European Commission Vice President Joaquin Almunia said European countries should stand ready to support Greece, giving the country more financial assistance if needed.
In an interview with Dow Jones Tuesday evening, Mr. Almunia said provided Greece had honored its pledges...