EU's Juncker pledges 2bn euros for Greek 'humanitarian crisis'

 

 The EU has pledged €2bn (£1.45bn; $2.15bn) to ease what it calls Greece's "humanitarian crisis" - echoing a term used by Greece to describe the results of its financial crisis.

   

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said the money would be spent on growth and "social cohesion".
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras welcomed the move, stressing a common need to tackle the humanitarian crisis.
EU leaders say Greece is due to produce a reform plan to fend off bankruptcy.
Mr Juncker's announcement came after marathon talks between Greek PM Alexis Tsipras, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders in Brussels, on the sidelines of an EU summit.
Mr Tsipras needs EU support for reforms to unlock vital funds, avoid possible bankruptcy and a eurozone exit. The leftist leader has pledged to end austerity - but his plans have met resistance from Greece's EU creditors.