Europe gives Greece 5 days to avoid bankruptcy

An emergency summit of European leaders called to salvage Greece’s financial rescue broke up acrimoniously late Tuesday night, with officials saying the country now has just five days to avoid bankruptcy.

 

Following a day’s worth of talks aimed at finding a way out of months of bitter deadlock, European leaders were scathing in their assessments of Greece’s proposals, calling them inadequate and demanding the Greek government return with a detailed plan by Thursday.

 

The leaders of all 28 European Union members will then meet Sunday in what officials said will be the final chance to save Greece from economic oblivion — or the moment the country is ejected from the euro zone.

 

“The stark reality is that we only have five days to find the ultimate agreement,” said a visibly irritated Donald Tusk, the European Council president. “Until now I have avoided talking about deadlines. But tonight I have to say it loud and clear — the final deadline ends this week.”

 

Standing at his side at E.U. headquarters in Brussels, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker pounded the lectern as he announced that Europe has detailed plans for Greece’s exit from the euro zone — known as “Grexit” — and for delivering humanitarian aid to Athens.

 

Read More: Europe gives Greece 5 days to avoid bankruptcy – The Washington Post