The activation of the Cyprus bailout plan, one of the topics under consideration by the Eurogroup today, is seriously in danger of slip by a couple of months compared to the date initially set, so much so that, according to the international press, a decision in this regard is not expected before the end of March.
The official explanation given by the Cypriot authorities speaks of the ongoing review of the capital of the country's banks, and the extension of the repayment of the 2,5 billion loan granted by Russia.
But it is precisely the role played by Russia in this affair that gives substance to the unofficial explanation of this shift, namely the complex relationship between the European institutions and the Cypriot president Demetris Christofias, which has refused to sign any commitments with the Troika and is more or less openly accused of using the country's banks to launder Russian money.
Brussels, pushed in this direction mainly by Germany, would therefore be waiting to know the outcome of the next Cypriot presidential elections, which will take place in February, before making a decision.
