It is without question that we live in a tumultuous region and uncertain times characterized by insecurity and new challenges.
This is an age of uncertainty due to a new climate of instability, particularly in the Southeastern Mediterranean.
At the same time, Europe is being sent shaken by major reshuffles.
Brexit looms ahead.
The migration issue is being perceived as a threat by many European capitals.
In this environment, Europe is plagued by dilemmas that, just a few years ago, would have been consigned to the dustbin of history.
It is Europe that was born as a coalition of states.
It is Europe that decided to do away with traditional enmities.
It is Europe that left nationalism and national planning behind.
It is Europe that organised a new environment of cohabitation.
Yet it is in this Europe that national planning is resurfacing.
Despite the fact that, in the most recent European elections, the citizens of the EU voted for more Europe.
However, the challenge of more Europe is proving to be challenging indeed in practice.
Dissent prevails in all matters, such as how to achieve the objectives of climate change, how to draft the EU Budget and how to address the issue of enlargement, focusing on the Western Balkans.
Consensus in major European decisions remains the main challenge in the new European climate.
It is in this climate that our country has made a dynamic return to European affairs, with an equal role, a strong voice, robust diplomacy and political decisiveness.
Greece is participating and demanding, not begging.
Having left the economic crisis behind, our country is re-introducing itself to Europe, and it is not alone.
It has powerful European allies on its side.
The positive economic indicators of the Greek economy give us a solid basis for dialogue with all our partners.
Greece has once again become a powerful player with a voice, able to converse even with those with whom it disagrees.
Faced with major challenges, Greece has ready answers and timely claims.
With Brexit ahead of us, the government is ready to submit a relevant bill to Parliament, which is expected to be adopted in early 2020.
However, the UK’s withdrawal from the EU will also impact the drafting of the EU budget. Greece is aiming to retain at least the current Cohesion Policy and Common Agricultural Policy funds, while seeking additional funding.
Our country participates actively in the debate on achieving the objectives of climate neutrality by 2050. The Greek government has set ambitious goals, such as completely phasing out the use of lignite. At the same time, we aim to secure funding from the Just Transition Mechanism for regions that will be affected, such as Western Macedonia and Peloponnese.
As regards enlargement, we must not ignore the historical truth that the Balkans produce more history than they can consume.
The opportunity of enlargement must not be wasted, so long as our neighbours implement the agreements they have signed and abandon any irredentism.
Greece remains the most important actor in the Balkans and the pillar of stability in the wider region and, as such, wishes not only for good neighbourly relations but also joint partnerships on all levels.
In this new era, Greece must play a leading role in European developments, and it will.
The year 2020 is expected to see European developments, with initiatives, strong alliances, decisiveness, strategy and a powerful voice!
December 22, 2019