On July 20, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso appointed Horst Reichenbach, Vice-President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and former Director General of the Commission, to chair the Task Force for providing technical assistance to Greece.

Barroso proposed a comprehensive programme of technical assistance to Greece during talks with Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou in June, to help support the delivery of the EU-IMF adjustment programme and accelerate the absorption of EU funds. According to a Commission press release, the Task Force will be based in Brussels, with a support team in Athens. Its work will have a strong focus on competitiveness, growth and employment.

Greek News Agenda: EC President’s Letter to Papandreou