Greece in the EU

The European Union is the place where the States of Europe linked their fortunes with the values of democracy and human dignity. It is created to embrace diversity, collaboration, solidarity and the common belief that we all want to be a part of a prosperous and safe family.

Last year, my country celebrated the 30th anniversary of joining the European Union. The Greek Government at that time, and Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis in particular, aimed at integrating the country into the European Union as a full member.

Why Greece acceded the European Union

Some of the reasons for which Greece chose full accession to the Community can be summed up as follows:

• Greece considered the Community to be the institutional framework within which stability could be brought into its democratic political system and institutions;
• Greece sought to enforce its independence and position within the regional and international system as well as its ‘power to negotiate’ in the international scene;
• Accession into the Community was regarded by Greece as a powerful factor that would contribute to the development and modernisation of the Greek economy and Greek society;
• Greece wanted, as a European country, to have ‘presence’ in and an impact on the process towards European integration and the European model.

Greece is on the mend after years of crisis

Over these 30 years, the relationship between Europe and Greece has not been simply financial or political. The benefits we obtained are numerous; some of them were handled successfully, while some others not so well.

In the last years, Greece has been in the international spotlight. The country's political, economic and social life has come under international analysis not always in a fair way and often based on stereotypes. Several times, Greeks’ potential to overcome the crisis has been under question. Terrible scenarios have ruled public opinion, both at home and abroad. Even the European perspective of the country seemed to be uncertain. Everything that we had once taken for granted seemed open to question.

Greece suffered more than any other country from the crisis. It suffered due to errors made by the country, ‘construction’ errors of the single currency, but also from the errors of the first rescue programme such as the so-called multiplier which devalued the consequences of the recession. Greece suffered, but is now gradually getting back onto the path of consolidation and recovery. Greeks made tremendous efforts to overcome the obstacles. In this context, Greece took over the EU Presidency at a very crucial moment for Europe and for the future of European integration.

Greece contributes in bringing the European project forward

The assumption of Greece's Presidency, after an unprecedented financial crisis and a difficult fiscal adjustment programme, confirms the ‘institutional equality’ of the Member States and the principles on which Europe was built. The Greek Presidency coincides with the forthcoming European elections and the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, which, for the first time, provides the proposal by the European political parties of candidates for the post of the President of the European Commission, something that will bring even greater popular legitimacy.

It is certain that the resolution of the matters which the Greek Presidency will focus on will largely determine the course of the EU in the near future. After a long period of strong intergovernmentalism, it is time to restore the Community Method, which has been strengthened by the Lisbon Treaty. It's a great opportunity for the Union itself. Particularly at a time when the forces of Euroscepticism seem to be advancing in Europe, we need to correct the structural problems highlighted by the crisis. And I am confident that the Greek Presidency can offer a great contribution in resolving these issues.