Tsipras expects a 2% growth in the Greek economy and a drop in unemployment

In the first quarter of 2018 a bank will be set up to finance small and medium-sized enterprises. Greece's economic growth will be close to 2% in 2017. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Tuesday, quoted by Reuters. His opinion is slightly above the revised government forecast.

Earlier, the government in Athens predicted that the Greek economy will grow 1.8% this year, re-examining previous growth expectations of 2.7%. "The projections that 2017 will end with a growth of nearly 2% will be confirmed," said Tsipras, adding that unemployment, which is currently 21.7%, should fall below 20% next year. The European state, which was hit hardest by the economic and debt crisis, in June completed a crucial review of its bailout program and in July for the first time in three years returned to bond markets. Greece's economic performance in this report is decisive as its third loan of EUR 86 billion is due to expire in 2018. A new state development bank, whose goal will be to finance small and medium-sized enterprises, will start work in the first quarter of 2018, the Greek Prime Minister said.

Syndicate triggered the first 50-year strike in the Bank of Englan

Bank of England officials began their first strike for more than 50 years, Reuters reports. They insist on higher wages, highlighting the increasing pressure to put an end to strict public-sector wages in the UK. The three-day strike will overlap with the interest rate cut on Thursday. It involves maintenance and security personnel of the 323-year-old bank. About 15 employees organized a strike at the headquarters of the Bank of England in London. About 150 people work in the departments affected by the cessation of work. Employees who are part of the United Trade Union Trade Union say they are protesting against the "mocking" pay that the bank has assigned to staff without the union's consent.