On the margins of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Kourkoulas launched a round of meetings with the presidents of the European Parliament political groups, ahead of the Greek EU Presidency in the first half of 2014.
Mr. Kourkoulas met with the President of the European People’s Party Joseph Daul; the President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists, Hannes Swoboda; the President of the European Conservatives and Reformist group, Martin Callanan; and the President of the Europe of Freedom and Democracy group, Nigel Farage.
Following his meetings, Mr. Kourkoulas made the following statement:
“There is no doubt that the Presidency of the Council of the European Union presents challenges for our country. But it is an opportunity for Greece to return to the core of European developments and reaffirm its recovery course.
The Greek Presidency comes at a critical time for European unification. Our country will do everything in its power to confront the major European challenges, to the benefit of all European citizens.
During my meeting with the heads of the two largest political groups (European Socialists and European People’s Party) I also had the opportunity to discuss issues concerning the multiannual financial framework – which was submitted to the European Parliament for approval last week -- as well as to exchange views on the Presidency priorities.”
February 20, 2013