GREECE

In an interview, Batzis said that Schroders kept its presence in the country even under adverse conditions and noted that during these challenging times, cooperation with domestic financial institutions strengthened to the benefit of Greek investors.

The value of this eighth reduction amounts to 122.5 million euros, it said in a statement. The EFSF Board of Directors also decided to reduce the step-up margin to zero from January 1, 2023 onwards.

The Commission is also referring Greece and another five EU member states to the Court of the European Union for not preventing damage to the environment by the introduction of invasive plants and animals.

Minister of State underlined in an interview that government's hope is indeed that Greece will achieve investment grade status in the first half of 2023, while adding that all the indicators are good.

"The government and the Public Debt Management Agency act with determination and foresight, taking into account existing and future decisions of the European Central Bank in the exercise of monetary policy," Staikouras concluded.

During the Berlin Process Summit, which will take place in the German chancellery Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to highlight Greece's leading role in the region of the Western Balkans.

Compared to the 38 OECD members, Greece ended up 29th in 2022 from 33rd in 2021, with 59.2 points in the current index (2022), over 58.6 points in 2021.

Mitsotakis explained that Greece has rescued tens of thousand of people who were at risk at sea, defending its borders as it has an obligation to do but also respecting fundamental human rights.

The two countries have collaborated on various bilateral and multilateral initiatives, including the joint declaration on the Strategic Partnership in 2020 and the creation of a 4.0-billion-euro fund for investments in the Greek economy.

European Commission spokesperson for external affairs Peter Stano said that differences need to be settled peacefully, in full respect of international law and of countries' vital and legitimate interests, while threats and aggressive rhetoric are unacceptable and need to stop.