Eurogroup agrees 8.5-bln-euro bailout distribution to Greece

BRUSSELES, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The Eurogroup agreed to distribute a long-delayed bailout payment worth up to 8.5 billion euros (9.47 billion U.S. dollars) to Greece, the Eurogroup Chief Jeroen Dijsselbloem said in Luxembourg on Thursday.

It marked a major step forward for Greece, Dijsselbloem told a press conference after the Eurogroup meeting, adding that Athens was expected to receive the fresh disbursement to cover its current needs.

The Eurogroup's decision came following Greek lawmakers' approval of fresh measures for the second review of the country's bailout program, which was composed of an income tax reform broadening the tax base and a pension reform, according to a statement issued by the Eurogroup.