An in-depth discussion of the results of the European elections at the Informal EU General Affairs Council (Athens, 30 May 2014)

Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Kourkoulas chaired today’s Informal EU General Affairs Council, which was hosted by the Greek Presidency in the wake of the European elections.

The proceedings of the Informal General Affairs Council began with a recommendation from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos regarding the recent elections for the Members of European Parliament.

The proceedings included an in-depth discussion of the results of the European elections and the political conclusions that will be borne in mind by the European organs - and the Council in particular - for the further charting of Europe’s course. Specifically, there was a discussion of issues related to the cooperation among the various European institutions (European Council, European Parliament, European Commission) and the role of the General Affairs Council as an organ that coordinates the other Council configurations.

Also underscored by many Ministers was the need to chart the new policy of the European organs, which must bear seriously in mind the messages the citizens of Europe sent with their votes last week. Growth and job creation - and particularly the problem of youth unemployment - remain high on the agenda.

On the margins of the Informal Council, Mr. Kourkoulas met with his Italian counterpart, Sandro Gozi, as Italy is taking over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2014, and they discussed issues concerning coordination of the two Presidencies.