"For us, the French Presidency is a presidency of major breakthroughs for Europe," said Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, who attended today along with Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias a working breakfast with the participation of the EU MS Ambassadors, organized at the French Embassy by the French Ambassador Patrick Maisonnave, on the occasion of the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU by the French Republic.
In particular, Mr. Varvitsiotis noted that "France is one of the countries that are at the heart of European developments and support the European Union through political initiatives", citing as an example the EU strategic autonomy debate, "a President Macron’s initiative ", which will lead to" Europe acquiring characteristics of a great power", which, as he stressed," today it may possess in terms of numbers, but does not possess in terms of substance".
The Alternate Minister stated that Greece supports the French proposals, noting that France's priorities, in particular "Europe's strategic agenda, the green transition, the revision of the Stability and Growth Pact and the adoption of a joint Pact on Migration and Asylum" go to the heart of issues concerning the European future". In addition, Mr. Varvitsiotis underscored that "Greece will assist in the initiatives taken by the French Presidency so that our common vision for a stronger and more united Europe be consolidated", and expressed the hope that the other member states would demonstrate the same spirit of cooperation because "European citizens are looking forward to more Europe, to a globally stronger, more social, greener and more resilient Europe".
January 17, 2022