Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-04-26 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Commission plans to propose ending excessive deficit procedure against Greece-Agence Europe [02] Moscovici: Greece implemented in three years reforms that should have been made in last 15 years [03] Thirteen refugees detained in Mykonos --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Commission plans to propose ending excessive deficit procedure against Greece-Agence Europe BRUSSELS (ANA/M. Spinthourakis) – The European Commission plans to propose to the Council of the European Union to end the excessive deficit procedure opened against Greece, the news bulletin Agence Europe said in its "Bulletin Quotidien Europe" on Wednesday. It said EU Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici is planning to submit such a proposal on May 17, when the Commission will publish its new recommendations for member-states. Such initiative, Agence Europe continued, which would send strong political message days before the Eurogroup meeting, has the backing of the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, but not of the Vice President, Valdis Dombrovskis. [02] Moscovici: Greece implemented in three years reforms that should have been made in last 15 years BRUSSELS (ANA/M. Spinthourakis) – Greece has implemented in the last three years structural reforms that should have been implemented in the last 15 years, EU Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici said on Wednesday, speaking at a Belgian university on the effects of a member-state exiting the Eurozone. He said that any country's exit from the Eurozone would lead to disintegration, adding that Greece has made impressive fiscal progress which came at a cost for society. Concerning the country's debt, Moscovici said debt measures should be implemented but rejected the idea of a haircut. Commenting on the second round of France's presidential election, he said nothing is certain, adding that even if Front National candidate Marine Le Pen loses but receives more than 40 percent of the vote, it would be a very negative message. [03] Thirteen refugees detained in Mykonos The Greek coast guard detained 13 refugees in Mykonos on Wednesday after they were located walking at the area near Merchia, a village at the northeastern part of the island. Two underage refugees detained along with the adults were released. According to the preliminary investigation, the refugees disembarked from a boat driven by two men, probably the traffickers. The coast guard is continuing the investigation.