ATHENS – The Greek state will continue supporting workers during the next phase of the pandemic response, which is expected to begin with a gradual opening of enterprises, Finance Minister Christos Staikouras said on Monday. In comments made to Real FM radio station, Staikouras said that the 800-euro financial support will be offered – proportionally – to all workers of enterprises that will reopen at a later stage or remain shut and made it clear that the government was seeking to exploit the European Commission's SURE program to support workers working fewer hours due to precautionary measures. He said that the government will move, in the next few months, toward a direct or indirect liquidity support of enterprises with around 10 billion euros, mostly through European funds. He also urged enterprises to contribute themselves in protecting job positions. Staikouras said that the 800-euro financial support for workers currently suspended fronm work will be paid to another 105,875 workers.

He reiterated that the government's management of the crisis meant there was no risk of a new memorandum, adding: "We will manage not to resort to a memorandum. We don't want to use the 15.7 billion euros buffer".