‘Great Britain is our ally, not our rival’
The United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union is a historic event, a landmark in the seventy-year history of the European endeavour, with sizeable losses for both sides.
The Union did not just lose a Member State; it lost 13% of its population and 16% of its GDP, a political, economic, military and nuclear superpower, one of the pillars of NATO, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the oldest parliamentary democracy. On the other hand, Great Britain lost direct access to the largest economy in the planet consisting of 500 million people and dozens of trillions in GDP.
However, despite the blow, Europe moved on, stronger than ever. The day after Brexit, the EU-27 were clearly more united, forming an unbroken front against the United Kingdom throughout the negotiations, and far more determined to deepen European integration due to the pandemic. Faced with the coronavirus crisis, the Member States not only did not distance themselves from the Union but, in fact, rallied around it to face the crisis together. They took brave — even if not at all self-evident — decisions to change the Union from within, sending a message to Eurosceptics.
More specifically, last year Europe engaged in an unprecedented effort of coordination to procure medical goods, implement pandemic management policies, provide central funding for scientific research and undertake a colossal plan for simultaneous vaccinations across Europe. It further shielded its national economies through the Recovery Fund — the subject of intense negotiations on our part last summer — by breaking long-standing economic taboos. And while Britain was seamlessly withdrawing thanks to the achievement of the historic Trade Agreement, the Union was opening its doors to the Western Balkans, launching the accession process for North Macedonia and Albania.
New challenges now loom before us: climate change, the conclusion of the vaccination plan, rebooting the economies using tools such as the vaccination certificate, which the Greek Prime Minister was the first to propose.
In order to address these challenges, Europe affirms that it will not cease cooperating with the United Kingdom. They are linked by history, geography and economy — and Brexit cannot nullify these. Europe desires a strong, reliable relationship with the British, and proved it by swiftly surmounting the recent issue with the proposals concerning customs barriers at the borders between Ireland and Great Britain. We can under no circumstance enter into a rivalry, whether in terms of vaccinations, public health or the economy. Because, above all else, Europe is a force of cooperation. It cannot be contentious, particularly towards a former partner and important neighbour.
Greece shares this view completely, being a traditional ally and important partner of Britain. We wish for open channels, which is why our approach to Brexit was manifold from the outset. As the head of the competent Interministerial Committee, I am personally aware of all the steps taken in order to regulate every matter at the legislative, administrative and informational level diligently and in good time.
At the political level, we are aiming at a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom and enhanced cooperation on issues pertaining to trade, the economy, investments, as well as the tourism, shipping, research and innovation industries. There is particular interest with regard to financial services, as many companies are leaving Britain and channelling their funds to the EU.
We at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are monitoring these developments and are already creating the conditions to attract “digital nomads” or money market entrepreneurs to our country through an enticing incentive package (digital visa, taxation, infrastructure) so as to bolster our country's international competitiveness.
Considering the United Kingdom as a country with which we share common values and adherence to International Law, we are also aiming at better coordination between us in the face of the common challenges of security, terrorism, control of migration flows and protection of regional stability.
Brexit has come to pass. Greece can either remain a passive observer of the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, or choose to take part in shaping it. I am certain that, after 40 years of membership in the European family, Greece has the institutional maturity and experience to choose the latter option and play an active role at the European and bilateral level, sending a message of stability, cooperation and creativity.
The year 2021 is one of symbolism and initiatives. Let us take them on!
February 19, 2021