Greece's court of auditors has blocked the sale of 28 state assets to two Athens-based companies meaning the country will miss its 1.3 billion euro target for selloffs in 2013.

Investigation magistrates,Raikou and Andreadis are examining the connection of suspect loans to allegations of money laundering and fraud.

The news that cigarette prices would be raised by 5 eurocents a pack sent many smokers to kiosks to stock up before prices go up.

Samaras and Barroso both sought to strike an upbeat note at an official ceremony for Greece’s assumption of the European Union’s Presidency emphasizing the country’s progress and playing down the fragility of Samaras’s government.