The Ministers of European Affairs, top officials of the European Parliament and Party of European Socialists (PES) members are meeting in Athens on the 10th of September.
Participants aspire to contribute to the formulation of common positions, aimed at a progressive Europe with a social profile, ahead of the upcoming informal European Council of Bratislava and in view of major challenges facing the European Union. ‘The people and certain leaders understand that some problems are common and that we can have a common approach. Pragmatism and flexibility are needed. This proposal for a continuous dialogue between the Left and Social democracy brings Greece at the same table together with the progressive powers of Europe. We must restore faith and inspire new trust in people, to realize that Europe is not the one destroying prosperity’, N. Xydakis, Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs and host of the meeting, stated.
Issues to be considered at the meeting include: the EU following the UK Brexit referendum, upgrading the EU, deepening integration, combating youth unemployment, protection of labor and social rights, equitable growth, tackling the refugee and migration issue, security and EU foreign policy, and active connection of citizens with EU institutions.
The meeting, a follow-up to the one European Socialist Ministers had in Rome on the 15th of July, which Greek Ministers Nikos Pappas and Nikos Xydakis were invited to, is also taking place within the context of a multi-level diplomatic initiative undertaken by the Greek government, since the Euro-Mediterranean Summit is due in Athens on September 9, at the invitation of PM Alexis Tsipras, and the Rhodes Conference for Security and Stability is taking place on September 8 and 9, on the initiative of MFA Nikos Kotzias.
Alternate MFA Xydakis’ guests for the meeting of Socialist European Affairs Ministers in Athens include French Secretary of State for European Affairs Harlem Désir, Italian Under-Secretary for European Affairs Sandro Goci, Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs Margarida Marques, Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ivan Korčok, Maltese Deputy PM & Minister of European Affairs Louis Grech and EP Vice-President Dimitris Papadimoulis. Nikos Pappas, Minister of State, will also be participating on behalf of the Greek government. PES will be represented by the Vice-Chairs of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats Maria João Rodrigues and Enrique Guerrero Salom and PES Deputy Secretary Yonnec Polet.
The meeting will take place at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), at the Faliron Delta.
There will be a press conference upon the end of proceedings. It has been scheduled for approx. 12:30 and will be held in the Lighthouse of the SNFCC. Journalists and reporters who wish to attend are kindly requested to contact the Alternate MFA’s Office by Friday September 9, 4pm at the latest, by dialing either 210 3684057 or 210 3684407 or alternatively via email (anypexeu.communication@mfa.gr). The Press may leave their vehicles at the SNFCC parking area and access is possible from the junction of Peisistratou and Sachtouris str. (Kallithea). The hashtag for the meeting is #ProgressiveEU.
September 8, 2016