Greek labour unions have called a general strike to coincide with the first day of the upoming European Summit on October 18th, Reuters reports.

Greece will undoubtedly be one of the major topics when leaders from the 27 European Union members unite next week.

The Greek government must reach an agreement with the 'Troika' (European Union, European Central Bank, and International Monetary Fund) for a new austerity plan in order to secure the next tranche of the country's bailout programme. Greek finance minister Yannis Stournaras is scheduled to meet with 'Troika' representatives today.

The EU Summit will take place in Brussels on Thursday and Friday of next week.

Discussions will be also be centred around Spain's elusive bailout request and advancing banking union proposals.

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy will kick off the first session of the EU Summit by presenting his proposals, followed by work sessions and a dinner. To conclude, Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso will offer a press conference.

Barroso and Van Rompuy will again address reporters on Friday afternoon following earlier work sessions, as will leaders of each country in separate press conferences.

MG

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