BERLIN, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Germany and other EU members indicated they are considering a bailout plan for financially tottering Greece.
Financial support likely would be in the form of guarantees or bilateral loans, with EU leaders prepared to discuss details Thursday while meeting in Brussels on economic issues, EUobserver.com reported Wednesday.
Greece has been under heavy pressure from financial markets in recent weeks over doubts whether the Greek government could push through austerity measures to radically lower its double-digit deficit in three years.
The European Investment Bank, the main lender for long-term EU loans, ended speculation Tuesday it may become involved in a Greet bailout.
"The EIB's mission and statute do not allow for bailouts in terms of budget deficits or balance of payments support to individual member-states," EIB President Philippe Maystadt said in a statement.
European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet was expected to return from Australia to attend Thursday's summit.
Sweden and Britain suggested the International Monetary Fund would be in the best position to supply financial support to Greece, despite widespread rejection by EU officials of the idea, EUobserver.com said.
