On the margins of the “Mediterranean Forum”, which was hosted by the French daily “Liberation” in Marseilles on 19 and 20 April, Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Kourkoulas, who participated in the Forum’s opening session on “Action Today for the Mediterranean”, gave an interview to Laëtitia Pèpe. The interview was published on the newspaper’s website under the title “Greece amidst effort, hope and solidarity”.
JOURNALIST: What is the economic, political and social situation in Greece today?
D. KOURKOULAS: The situation in Greece has clearly been improving for months now on the social, economic and political level. Beyond the major fiscal efforts on the national level, the most substantial element lies in the decisions of the latest European Councils, such as the definitive decision to maintain Greece in the Eurozone. In the banking sector, Greece has also relied on the support of the Eurozone, which is making it possible for our economy to recover. This will enable us to emerge from the crisis in the coming months.
JOURNALIST: What made this improvement possible?
D. KOURKOULAS: From the outset of the crisis in Greece and Europe, many structural reforms have been carried out in Greece. On the national level, Greece has made a lot of progress, particularly through a more stable tax system, which virtually didn’t exist before. This enabled us to reduce the deficit and improve the country’s image.
From the time Greece entered the Eurozone, in 2001, our competitiveness fell drastically. Today, in many sectors – including exports, tourism – recovery has begun. 2013 will probably be the last year of recession, and at the same time it will be a year of hope on a national and European level, despite the fact that major problems, like unemployment, remain.
For even better results in Greece and Europe, emphasis needs to be put on strengthening the banking union, economic governance, and the various measures to boost growth and prospects for employment.
JOURNALIST: What is the role of the Eurozone member states in managing this crisis?
D. KOURKOULAS: At the beginning of the economic crisis, they pointed their finger at Greece, which created major problems in the country, especially on the social level. Nevertheless, we were able to rely on the moral and financial support of certain Eurozone states. France was on the front line, bringing a substantial message of hope and solidarity through the news media and statements from government officials.
JOURNALIST: How do you see European reactions today, following the implementation of austerity measures in Greece?
D. KOURKOULAS: For a number of months now, there have been huge shifts in the stance of our European partners in central and northern Europe. A large portion of the Eurozone realized what great sacrifices and great economic progress Greece is making. Consequently, the will and maturity of the Greek people enabled us to win back the trust of our European partners.
We also succeeded in showing that this crisis could not be resolved just on the national level: it required a joint effort, and the response to the European tribulations had to be coordinated, with the participation of the whole Union.
April 22, 2013