All the day’s economic and financial news, including reaction to last night’s Eurogroup meeting and the latest UK public finances
- Latest: UK borrowed more than expected in April
- Deficit rises over £10bn last month
- Eurozone company growth is strongest since 2011
- Introduction: Disappointment over Greek talks
- Greek bonds have weakened
Over in Athens the government spokesman has challenged the German finance minister’s view, and suggested Berlin is responsible for the failure to reach a comprehensive deal that would also include debt relief.
“The solution presented yesterday corresponded neither to the targets that had recently been set nor the sacrifices of the Greek people.”
“The main difference between the IMF and the German finance ministry has to do with the growth projections and primary surpluses after 2023.”
Germany’s finance minister, Wolfgang Schäuble, has just told reporters in Brussels that the IMF ‘proved to be difficult’ during last night’s Eurogroup meeting.