EU Commission applauds Greek reforms

ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- The EU Commission praised a budget reform package agreed to in Athens, Greece, that the government said would create 30,000 jobs.

"The 10 priorities for structural reform announced on Thursday by the Minister of Development are a clear sign of the commitment of the Greek government to bring about the much-needed reform of the Greek economy," the commission said in a statement.

"The pursuit of these priorities will make an important contribution to the broader reforms to which Greece is committed ... which are needed to boost growth and employment," the statement said.

Ekathimerini.com reported Thursday that the reforms include privatizing government assets, including the Hellenic Railways Organization's passenger service -- called TRAINOSE. In addition, the government will push ahead on four highway projects, among other measures.

Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis said the reforms would create 30,000 jobs.