The Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, spoke from Brussels on ERT1 TV's ‘Syndeseis’, with journalists Kostas Laskaratos, Chrysa Papastavrou and Kostas Papachlimintzos, on the crucial negotiations on the drafting of the new EU budget at the special meeting of the European Council, noting that “we’re a long way from an agreement”. He added that it had become apparent on Monday at the extraordinary meeting of the General Affairs Council that there is a considerable difference of opinion between Member States due to the countries that are net contributors. More specifically, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria and Denmark are leaning towards the view espoused until recently by the United Kingdom, i.e. that their contribution is considerable without a corresponding benefit.
When asked about the criticism expressed by the main opposition party, Mr Varvitsiotis stressed the following: “We do not yet know the total amount to be shared in order to conclude what the country will receive”, noting that three summits have taken place to date and adding that he participated in those held in Prague and Lisbon as part of the team led by the Prime Minister and including other Ministries. He added that the Prime Minister himself is appearing at the negotiation table today, clearly pursuing further funds for Cohesion.
Finally, in reference to the most recent statements by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Varvitsiotis stressed that Turkey feels trapped in its choices and is therefore escalating Greek-Turkish relations, in contrast to the Greek side, which is in line with the principles of composure and compliance with International Law. He concluded that “there is no Greek government willing to negotiate the sharing of the Aegean Sea”, and that Greeks must face Turkey with a unified national voice.
February 21, 2020