Regling was more optimistic about Portugal. He said that, despite market speculation, it was not yet a foregone conclusion that the country would need more aid. International donor countries recently evaluated Portugal's reform efforts and determined that they were sufficient, he added, and the country continues to meet its goals according to plan.
So far, the ESM has only extended €46 billion to Spain and Cyprus to help prop up their banking systems. Regling likewise told the Handelsblatt that he has "no indication so far" that there would be new programs for other euro-zone countries.
Regling is reportedly even more confident when it comes to the stability of the European banking system. "I see no indications that we will experience larger bank problems in Europe in the near future," he said, according to Reuters. He also noted that overall market confidence in the economies of the EU's crisis-plagued countries, as well as in the euro itself, had risen.
Germany, for its part, could do something to increase political stability in Europe, Regling added. "Of course it would be good for Europe and the markets if the new government in Germany could be formed soon," he told Reuters.
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Half-yearly World Economic Outlook report revises down forecasts to 2.9% in 2013 and 3.6% in 2014
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