EU says not satisfied with new Greek reform plan

BRUSSELS - The European Commission said Wednesday it was not satisfied with Greece's new bailout reform proposals, saying they "do not reflect" earlier discussions between Brussels and Athens.

Spokesman Margaritis Schinas said the "ball is clearly in the court of the Greek government" as Brussels rejected the plan submitted by Athens just a day earlier in a bid to end a five-month stand-off and unlock vital funds.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had already angrily rejected the EU's own proposals, made at a dinner with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker last week.

"Our commissioner for financial and economic affairs Pierre Moscovici informed Greek government representatives yesterday afternoon that their latest suggestions do not reflect the state of discussions between President Juncker and Prime Minister Tsipras Wednesday night, and those between commissioner Moscovici and Greek government representatives Monday afternoon," Schinas said.

He added: "Technical work continues in order to try to bridge the differences between the different positions and to create conditions for unanimous agreement between all 19 members of the eurozone.

"For this final push the commission is clearly of the view that the ball is in the court of the Greek government." Cash-strapped Greece on Tuesday submitted new proposals to unlock talks with the EU and IMF, which have demanded tough reforms in exchange for giving Athens the final 7.2 billion euros (US$8.1 billion) of its international bailout.