Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council confirmed on behalf of the euro area leaders that they want Greece to stay in the euro but they also expect that after the elections the new Greek Government make the choice of continuing the vital reforms to restore debt sustainability. In addition to this, members of the Council agreed that they need to mobilise EU policies to fully support growth.

The informal dinner of the members of the European Council celebrated on 23 of May focused on preparing the ground for common decisions in June. EU heads of state or government discussed the three main pillars of a growth strategy that is still based on the EU 2020 strategy. They structure their work around three pillars: to mobilise EU policies to fully support growth; to step up their effort to finance the economy through investments; and to strengthen job-creation.

They also agreed, according to what it was reported by the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, in taking the Economic Monetary Union to a new stage. They reaffirmed their commitment of safeguard its financial stability and integrity while strengthening the economic union to make it commensurate with the monetary union.

With regard to the situation in Greece, the euro area leaders reaffirmed that they want Greece to remain in the euro area while respecting its commitments. They also stressed their commitment to ensure that European structural funds and instruments are mobilised to bring Greece on a path towards growth and job creation. For instance, €6 million of microloans were given to Greek micro-entrepreneurs. However, they also underlined their expectations regarding the new Greek Government commitments to continue the vital reforms to restore debt sustainability, foster private investment and reinforce its institutions as best guarantee for a prosperous future in the euro area.