The meeting at the Federal Chancellery focused firstly on aspects of the global economy and productivity, reported Chancellor Angela Merkel following her talks with the heads of the OECD, WTO, ILO, IMF and World Bank. Developed nations are now seeing "some growth" said Angela Merkel. The European Union too is once again in a healthier position - "but not yet in a good enough position".

Ambitious measures are called for

The leading international financial and economic organisations have called on the international community to redouble their efforts to reform and to boost growth. More efforts are still urgently needed, in particular to address youth unemployment, they said, but also in the fields of structural reform and "pro-growth" consolidation. A joint statement issued by Angela Merkel and the five organisations stated, "We all agree that rigorous measures and a new policy approach are needed".

Ukraine must tackle corruption

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde and the Chancellor called for rigorous steps to tackle corruption in Ukraine. This is a "key element" of a new IMF programme for Ukraine, said Christine Lagarde.

Angela Merkel assured Ukraine of Germany’s continued support. All steps taken by the international community to help the country are still right, she said. As well as steps to address corruption and the IMF programme to strengthen the country’s economy, these include efforts to achieve a political solution in eastern Ukraine. "None of these points is any less relevant today than it was yesterday," said Angela Merkel.

No debt haircut for Greece

The Chancellor once again rejected a debt haircut for Greece. Before the meeting she discussed Greece with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde. "We would like to see a swift conclusion of negotiations," said Angela Merkel, referring to the ongoing review of Greece’s progress on reform.

Angela Merkel underlined the fact that a debt haircut within the euro zone "is quite simply not legally possible, as we interpret the legal situation". Greece must realise the reforms it has pledged to undertake, she said. Christine Lagarde pledged that the IMF would continue to work to resolve the problems in negotiations.

The top-level meeting in Berlin was attended by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría, WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim.