Verklaring voorzitter Europarlement Buzek over politieke spanningen Griekenland (en)

EP President Jerzy Buzek i made the following statement on the current situation in Greece:

"I urge all forces in the Greek parliament to rise above political differences in this moment of crisis and support the fiscal reform package proposed by the government.

The vote on 28 June in the Greek parliament is important not only for Greece but for the whole euro zone and the European Union.

I understand how hard those reforms can be for Greek citizens. My own country also suffered a lot of pain as it launched its "shock therapy" economic reforms after the fall of communism in 1989. My message for the Greek citizens is: show patience, understanding and strength.

The reforms are the only way to prevent the current fiscal crisis from turning into a prolonged economic slump that would make the lives of citizens even worse.

Greece has already achieved a lot, but the vote on the current reform package may prove to be a turning point. The choice is between possible economic and political disarray and a slow, but probable return to normalcy.

I am confident Greece will sail through these stormy waters and reach safe harbour."