Alternate Foreign Minister G. Katrougalos met in Brussels this afternoon with the heads of the political groups represented in the European Parliament. More specifically, Mr. Katrougalos met with the Chair of the Group of Socialists and Democrats, Gianni Pitella, and the Chair of the Confederal Group of the European United Left, Gabriele Zimmer.
Mr. Katrougalos highlighted that the Greek government's firm goal is the formation of new alliances for the promotion of a new policy with a social face, with all of the progressive political forces, and mainly with the Socialists & Democrats and the Greens. Moreover, as Mr. Katrougalos underscored, it was alliances of this kind that shaped the recent elections for the new President of the European Parliament.
In the context of the current dialogue on the future of Europe, Mr. Katrougalos stressed that it is now clear that the coming years require the implementation of a new policy. A policy that will contribute to real convergence between the member states -- with increased public and private investments and with strengthened economic recovery -- and to the creation of new and better jobs. This policy will lead to a new Europe that respects persons and their needs.
Earlier today, the Alternate Foreign Minister participated as an observer in a working breakfast of the Group of Socialists & Democrats of the European Parliament on the subject of the future of Europe, ahead of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the founding Treaty of Rome.
Moreover, yesterday evening, Mr. Katrougalos participated in a dinner organized by a group of thirteen member states -- called "Friends of Rule of Law", in which Greece participates -- and by MEP-rapporteurs of the relevant European Parliament resolution. The initiative is aimed at the setting up of a permanent mechanism in the EU for monitoring respect for the principles of the rule of law and fundamental rights, including social rights. The Alternate Minister backed the proposal's immediate promotion through the signing of an inter-institutional agreement between the Council, the European Parliament and the Commission, and its broadening through the taking of measures for democratization of economic governance. In this context, he referred indicatively to the full Europeanization of the ESM and the promotion of accountability measures for the ESM and the Eurogroup.
February 7, 2017