Thousands of Greeks have held a rally in favour of EU membership in Athens ahead of a referendum next week that could decide the country's future in Europe.

Greece defaulted on a loan repayment to the International Monetary Fund at 12am on 30 June, following a collapse in negotiations with creditors at the weekend.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has called a referendum for 5 July in which the public can vote on whether to accept the creditors' terms. Tsipras's Syriza government is campaigning for a 'no' vote, which many fear would spell Greece's exit from the 19-bloc Eurozone.

Those at the rally were campaigning for the country to vote 'yes'. Katerina Koliniati, a Greek citizen participating in the rally, said voting 'yes' would be in the country's best interests.

"We just want to make clear that saying 'yes' is to help Greece. Not because we like what is going on, not because we agree with these measures, but because we think it is better than going bankrupt. So, we are betting that the prime minister and all the politicians are going to hear the voice of the people and they are going to unite Greeks, not disconnect them, to have a better tomorrow," she said.

Eleni Chrysomalakou, another participant, predicted the referendum would spell the end for Syriza and Alexis Tsipras.

"The referendum will take place and the yes vote will win. And this government will fall," she said.

But the country is deeply divided over the issue, with a similar rally in favour of a 'no' vote held the night before. The people of Greece find themselves torn, knowing that any rejection of harsher austerity measures will likely an exit from the European project.

Greece debt crisis
European Union