I seem to remember at the time there was widespread reported skepticism about a number of countries' data. It was just accepted that the central European elite wanted to expand to sell their wares to these dodgy countries and prevent conflict. It shows how dependent the lender is to the lendee and how both sides don't face up to the reality.
Also, Greece’s original accession to the EU was motivated in part by geopolitical considerations; Greece applied for membership shortly after a democratic government replaced seven years of harsh military rule.
