Merkel makes rousing Bundestag speech praising Greece debt reduction efforts Ahead of attending the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel struck a note of optimism as she addressed the German Bundestag - praising both the deal to give the European Central Bank supervisory powers and debt reduction efforts in Greece. The successful bond-repurchase is an important contribution to the improvement in Greece's ability to service her debt. I am grateful to the Budget Committee for its decision yesterday to create the basis for the payment of the next part of aid for Greece. Germany has paved the way and I hope that now the Eurogroup also will approve that aid," she continued. Having taken into consideration Merkel's praise for Athens, Eurozone finance minister are expected to approve the next part of Greece's loan - 34.4 billion euros. More about: Angela Merkel, Eurogroup, Eurozone, Eurozone in crisis