European Union leaders issued a statement on Greece early Friday morning, praising the country for the efforts taken but also urging it to continue budgetary and structural policy reforms.

"We welcome the determination of the Greek government to deliver on its commitments and we commend the remarkable efforts by the Greek people," read a statement released at about 03;00 in Brussels after the first session of the EU meeting.

"Good progress has been made to bring the adjustment programme back on track."

The praise may be a sign that Greece is moving closer to winning a delayed aid disbursement after Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras asked for an extra two years to meet targets.

"We expect Greece to continue budgetary and structural policy reforms and we encourage its efforts to ensure swift implementation of the programme," the EU leaders said. "These conditions will allow Greece to achieve renewed growth and will ensure its future in the euro area."

Samaras will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel while they are both in Brussels in the context of the European Summit.

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