France wants deal between Greece and lenders at Eurogroup

France wants euro zone finance ministers to reach an agreement on non-performing loans at Greek banks at a meeting in Brussels later on Monday, French Finance Minister Michel Sapin said.

"Greece is making considerable efforts. They are scrupulously respecting the July agreement," he told reporters.

"One thorny issue remains: the seizure of homes for households who can't pay their debts. I want an agreement to be reached today. France wants an agreement today."

Greece is seeking to unlock rescue funds from its euro area creditors under the terms of a July 13 agreement at a meeting of the bloc’s finance ministers today in Brussels. The group remains at loggerheads about whether Greece has done enough to meet its own committments under that accord, on issues ranging from household insolvency to the pricing of generic drugs.

Sapin pressed fellow finance ministers to support Greece, saying he “understands” the country’s position on dealing with involvent households and that its current plans are in line with those of other European countries.

“Greece has made considerable efforts,” Sapin said. “It’s a bit strange that we’re always asking more of Greece.”

[Combined reports]