EU says Greece can 'finally turn the page' as bailout ends

'The worst is over' after eight very difficult years for the country, commissioner says

Greece has turned the page to become "a normal" member of the single currency, European Union authorities in Brussels declared as the country finally exited its eight-year bailout programme.

Its three bailouts during the eurozone crisis totalled a288.7bn (258bn) - the world's biggest-ever financial rescue. During that time, as the crisis threatened to lead to the nation's ejection from the single currency - "Grexit" - Greece has had four governments and endured one of the worst recessions in economic history.

Related: Greece's bailout is finally at an end - but has been a failure | Larry Elliott

You did it! Congratulations to Greece and its people on ending the programme of financial assistance. With huge efforts and European solidarity you seized the day.