Greek Presidency: European solidarity is the key to success

“If there’s one thing the Greek people have learned, it’s that European solidarity exists and that concrete, sustainable solutions can only be found in Europe. This is the beginning of the new Greek Presidency - it’s fifth! With such experience behind them, I am sure that this Presidency will be a success”, said the Chairman of the EPP Group, Joseph Daul, during the debates on the priorities of the rotating Presidency of the EU Council taken over by Greece on 1 January 2014.

Joseph Daul underlined that to create jobs Europe has to get out of the recession which will happen through sustainable growth: “In its priorities, the Greek Presidency holds the key to achieving its goals. These priorities are at the heart of the priorities of our political family: the return to growth, the fight against unemployment, promoting social and economic cohesion, structural reforms, deepening economic integration and achieving the Economic Union.”

The Head of the Greek Delegation of the EPP Group, Marietta Giannakou, said that Greece is taking over the EU Presidency at a very crucial moment for Europe and for the future of European integration: “After a long period of strong intergovernmentalism, it is time to restore the Community Method which has been strengthened by the Lisbon Treaty. It's a great opportunity for the Union itself. At a time when the forces of Euroscepticism seem to be advancing in Europe, we need to correct the structural problems highlighted by the crisis. And I am confident that the Greek Presidency can offer a great contribution to resolving these issues.”

“The Greek Presidency coincides with the forthcoming European elections and the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, which, for the first time, provides the proposal by the European political parties of candidates for the post of the President of the European Commission, something that will bring even greater popular legitimacy”, added Marietta Giannakou.