Moscovici praises government

"Such effort has been made by the Greek authorities that is bearing fruit now. It is a pity not to go on," EU Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici told reporters after a meeting with the Prime Minister Antonis Samaras.

"We can say that huge progress (on implementing reforms and restoring the public finances) has been made. The largest part of the effort has been made," said Moscovici, whose two-day visit is seen as a show of solidarity with Samaras.

Steering clear of the key presidential vote, Moscovici underlined that he did not want to interfere in Greek politics. But he made an indirect jab at opposition SYRIZA party, which has said it wants lenders to write off part of Greece's huge debt and has promised to tear up the bailout keeping the country afloat.

"Belonging to the euro zone is also a matter of obligations. The idea of contemplating the possibility not to reimburse a huge debt is suicidal," Moscovici said. "It is not possible to be in default, that's what we tried to avoid for years."