Greek data calls for 4-point defict cut in 2010-EU

The higher than expected Greek budget deficit in 2009 calls for full implementation of already planned fiscal tightening measures that amount to 4 percent of GDP, the European Commission said on Thursday.

The Commission said it was not focusing on the starting point for Greece or the size of the deficit at the end of this year, spokesman Amadeu Altafaj told a news briefing.

"The target for 2010 is a 4 percentage point reduction of the deficit. We did not refer to the starting point or the arrival figure, only the reduction effort," Altafaj said.

"Greece is on track to meet the target for 2010, that is what counts," he said.