As the European Parliament convened in Strasbourg, France on Wednesday all eyes—and ears—were aimed at Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras as he made his case for why the European Union must change its handling of the financial crisis in his own country and across the continent.

Arguing that his people have suffered more than enough living inside a "laboratory for testing austerity," Tsipras said his goal is to keep Greece in the eurozone, but that a "viable agreement" must replace what has been so far offered from the group of foreign creditors known as the Troika.

European Council President Donald Tusk delivered a speech.

"At the meeting we discussed the challenges we all face. We asked the Prime Minister to present the government"s vision of how to achieve the country"s development. All parties share the responsibility for the situation in the negotiations.

President of the European Council deemed the situation as the most critical moment in the history of teh euro zone.

"If we do not reach an agreement, it may bring Greece to bankruptcy and its its banking system to complete collapse," - said Donald Tusk.

"We want an agreement that will give a final end to the crisis and show there is light at the end of the tunnel," Tsipras declared.