European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso on Wednesday reiterated the Commission's strong willingness to keep Greece in the euro area while urging the country to maintain its commitment to structural reforms.

"I reiterated the Commission's strong desire that Greece should remain a member of the euro area and that we will continue to do everything in our power for this to happen," Barroso said in a statement after meeting with Greece's interim Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikrammenos.

Barroso stressed the Commission had made a commitment to maintain financial support for Greece as long as is necessary, assuming Greece maintains its commitment to implement the structural reforms that are essential for a return to growth.

"Without this solidarity, Greece will not be able to return to growth and prosperity. I therefore underlined the importance of Greece maintaining the commitments it has made," he added ahead of an informal dinner of European Union (EU) leaders.

While acknowledging the "huge sacrifices" that the Greek people have made, Barroso expressed his wish that "there were an easier way out of the crisis Greece is facing."

However, the President said the full implementation of the second programme agreed by Greece and its international partners would be the "least difficult and the quickest way" for Greece to return to growth and job creation.