PM Tsipras to focus on second program review, debt relief, at EU summit talks

The EU leaders will meet on 20 and 21 October to discuss three major issues: migration, trade and Russia, including its role in Syria. Tsipras will meet on the sidelines of the summit with French President Francois Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz.

The government has said that its intention is for the second review to have been completed by the end of  November, so that decisions on the debt issue can be taken at the December 5 Eurogroup, and Greece can begin participating in the European Central Bank's QE. The negotiations agenda includes labour relations reforms, fiscal performance (new state budget, 2016-2020 mid-term framework and primary surpluses), privatisations (regional airports, ports etc), the improvement of business climate (deregulation the civil engineer profession), the composition of systemic banks' boards, the discussion on the draft law for outside court compromises for non-performing business loans, the draft law on political parties' financing and other relevant issues.