Samaras: synergy between the Greek and Italian Presidency on immigration

The Greek Prime Minister discusses the Eu Council’s program lead by Greece. Barroso: “Greece will demonstrate the ability to resolve problems on a European level as well”

Economic recovery, employment, managing migration, maritime strategy: four themes at the center of the Greek presidency ahead. Currently the Greek Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras, in a meeting with the European Commission, necessary to set the groundwork for common work during Greece’s Presidency term which will be followed by the Italians. Not a minor issue, since Greece is trying to create a type of continuity with the Italians in managing migration flow in the Mediterranean. “We will work with Italians regarding immigration with the objective of resolving the problem of policy on managing the flow of migration,” anticipates the Greek head of government at the end of the meeting with the College of Commissioners. Greece will have the presidency turn of the European Council during the first semester of 2014, while the Italians will have the subsequent turn. “We will try to create synergy between the 2 presidencies,” and already during the Greek presidency “we will promote real solutions for the immigration problem and demonstrate the vigor of the southern countries in the European Union.” But the Greek Presidency will not be exclusively about this. First and foremost, Samaras wants to point out, “the Greek Presidency will not be the Presidency of the crisis.” He begins “a crucial moment for Greece and the European Union: we must provide answers to legitimate questions on the future outlook.”

Thus, they will continue with employment and recovery. These are two other issues – along with immigration – that the EU Commission is actively involved and on which they can work in tandem. “Our main priorities are economic recovery and the battle against youth unemployment,” reminds Josè Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission. “It is a good thing that the Greek Presidency term at the EU Council focuses its attention on these areas.” According to Barroso, “the Greek Presidency will provide a great opportunity to demonstrate that Greece is capable not only of resolving its own problems, but also of providing a great contribution to the European project.” Greece is and remains a unique country. “Europe would not be Europe with Greece.”

R.G.