Greece undertook the important responsibility of the presidency of the Council of the European Union.  The Prime Minister Mr. Samaras presented the priorities of the Greek Presidency in the Plenary Session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the Greek ministers have already presented the thematic policies in the respective committees of the European Parliament in Brussels. The experience of Greece in facing the fiscal crisis is very important on the exercise of the Presidency. Greece, a "success story" of fiscal adjustment taking place within an environment of deep wounds of recession and social crisis as European and international partners acknowledge, has the necessary experience to promote policies that will bring stability and growth.

Greece through its huge effort experienced the structural deficiencies and weaknesses of Eurozone which should be addressed, as well as the responsibilities that member states have for their development. Progress on the banking union, a priority of the Greek Presidency, is a crucial component towards achieving a sound, safe and integrated financial system. The crisis has clearly illustrated the associated systemic risks and impact of bank crisis for the whole Eurozone, given the increasing importance of cross-border activities in the single market. In this direction, the Greek presidency's work on the single resolution mechanism will be key elements that will complement the single supervisory mechanism which will guarantee effective supervision of all Eurozone banks by the ECB. In the framework of financial regulation, the Greek presidency has already achieved agreement on the crucial issue of the revision of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive.

At the same time, the Greek presidency will focus on the social dimension of European integration through growth. We need to build effective policies to increase liquidity, strengthen SMEs and the creation of jobs. In order to achieve our growth objectives it is important to use existing resources and produce alternative sources for funding the real economy. Our goal is to finalize the UCITS Directive revision (UCITS V) and the new instrument European Long Term Investment Funds which will boost investor confidence by providing a safe, attractive and stable European framework for both professional and retail investors, focusing on infrastructure projects and SMEs, given the strained public finances and reduced bank lending. European growth cannot be built only on the banking sector.

At international level, Greece has set among its priorities in trade policy the facilitation of negotiations of free trade agreements with strategic partners, and notably the US. In this respect, it is crucial to work towards achieving a mutually beneficial agreement for consumers, producers and service providers on both sides of the Atlantic.  At the same time, it will focus on maritime policy and enhance its development perspectives by exploring the potential of the EU in the maritime sector (transport, resources e.t.c.)

The Greek Presidency's programme lies at the heart of the challenges faced by the Eurozone and the EU more broadly and a close cooperation has begun between representatives of European people in the European Parliament and Member States. Greece aims to send a clear message that we need to take brave collective steps towards integration, solidarity and efficiency. This will be the best message of the EU to its citizens ahead of the European elections.

 

For the article as published click here

 

 

<< Προηγούμενο

Επόμενο >>