[autom.vertaling] EU Griekse voorzitterschap oproepen over CvdR bij te dragen tot het debat over energie en Adriatische-Ionische macroregio strategie (en)

Presenting the priorities of the EU Greek Presidency to the members of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) in CoR plenary session on 30 January, the Greek Minister for Internal Affairs, Yannis Michelakis, said: "The priorities of the EU Greek Presidency were set on the basis of the core principles underlying the CoR activities, namely subsidiarity, partnership and proximity. In this respect, the Greek Presidency has called on the CoR to work on opinions and recommendations on two issues of paramount importance: energy policy and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian macro-region".

Minister Michelakis underlined the symbolic importance for his country to be holding the EU Presidency: "One year and a half ago we were the weakest country in the EU and, today, after a series of reforms, we are taking the reins of the EU Presidency which involves a lot of responsibility. The EU Council's Presidency is a challenge not only for Greece but also for Europe".

The Minister stressed that the Greek Presidency would focus on stimulating growth and employment: "High levels of unemployment put the cohesion of Europe at risks. We have to find a balance between stability and budgetary discipline." In order to implement the EU framework for growth, employment and cohesion, the Greek Presidency intends to work toward improving the use of financial instruments by investing in the "real economy", with a special focus on SMEs. Greater attention will also be paid to fiscal fraud, stimulating confidence in the European economy by achieving the Banking Union, and improving the EU regulatory framework.

Immigration was also referred to as a top priority. "We have seen the tragic dimension on the EU maritime and land borders. We must have a global vision because immigration is a challenge affecting us all. We also need to be guided by solidarity and cooperation, and fight the criminal networks behind these human flows". The EU maritime policy and the energy sector are also high on the Greek Presidency's agenda: "The underwater resources might have the answers to future energy problems". The same goes for the drawing up of an EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian macro-region: "We will work in close cooperation with the forthcoming Italian Presidency to make this process successful and create a European Mediterranean macro-region".

In the ensuing debate with the CoR political groups, CoR members expressed their support to the Greek Presidency's priorities. Members reacted to the Minister's call for moving forward with the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region Strategy, highlighting that such a Strategy would be a driver for growth and jobs in the Mediterranean, while setting a good example for other macro-regions. The issue of immigration was also emphasised, in particular the need for a coordinated approach as well as local cooperation and solidarity to ensure that Europe copes with migration effectively. Some members further insisted on the need to push the completion of the EMU forward and expressed concerns towards the rise of populism and distrust in the EU.