E. VENIZELOS: The Greek Commissioner Mrs. Damanaki and I are in close – daily, I would say – cooperation on the preparations for the Greek Presidency and, naturally, on European policy as a whole. And this is because, beyond her specific portfolio, Mrs. Damanaki participates in the College of Commissioners and monitors the whole range of Community issues.
I think our preparations for the Presidency are going very well. The Greek EU Presidency in the first half of 2014 coincides with the major debate on the future of Europe and with the European Parliamentary elections. So it really is very important for Greece to participate with positions and views in this formulation of the European future.
The crisis that has beleaguered the Eurozone and Europe in general for years now can be overcome in only one way. Only through more Europe and by a Europe based on institutional equality among member states. The institutional equality of member states has been challenged strongly in recent years. And, of course, all of this means that we will re-politicize the European debate, which is currently being carried out in very narrow, technical, economic terms.
We are not belittling the market, we are not belittling economic data, but when we have to do with a system of democratic institutions – when we have to do with states, societies, peoples, citizens – what is most urgent is for there to be a clear political orientation.
And I am always pleased to talk with Mrs. Damanaki, because I know that she can present Greece’s reality to the European Commission and, mainly, to the College of Commissioners: the reality of the great fiscal achievement we have made thanks to the sacrifices of the Greek people, and now our great need – our major priority – to jumpstart the real economy.
I want to thank her once again and wish her every success, especially in the planning for maritime zones, which is a priority of the Greek EU Presidency, because our horizontal priority is comprehensive maritime policy.
Thank you very much.
M. DAMANAKI: Good morning. I had the pleasure of talking with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister about a number of issues that concern the Greek EU Presidency. I believe that it will be an exceptional Presidency – we can really make a difference. We are already collaborating on issues within my competency – which concern the sea, shipping, fisheries – as well as on the other priorities.
I hope that we will be able to achieve something specific during the Greek Presidency with regard to maritime policy, blue development, safety at sea, delimitation of maritime zones in the Mediterranean; issues, that is, that are very weighty for our country.
As you know, the Minister is also the head of Pasok, and we discussed the future of Greece and of Europe. The decisions to be taken are many and vital. Greece has made very significant progress that has now been acknowledged throughout Europe, but we still have a ways to go, and it is important for me to know the views of the Greek political leadership and for all of us to coordinate our efforts in the best possible manner so that Greece can once again find its way to growth based on a serious productive plan.
September 12, 2013