Deputy Foreign Minister Dimitris Kourkoulas participated on Monday, 30 September 2013, in the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, which focused on preparations for the October European Council, as well as on the negotiations under way between the Council and the European Parliament on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) and the cohesion implementation regulations.
Mr. Kourkoulas underscored the need for timely adoption of cohesion regulations so that the member states and their administrations can prepare for direct absorption of the funding provided for the period 2014-2020. He also stressed the need for speedy implementation of the initiatives that have been decided upon by the European Council for combating youth unemployment and avoiding any measure that would reduce the sums earmarked for countries and regions with the highest unemployment rates. At the same time, he expressed his satisfaction at the positive contribution of the European Parliament to the MFF adoption process, as well as the hope that the talks under way will culminate in an agreement quickly.
Regarding the preparations for the 24-25 October European Council, Mr. Kourkoulas expressed Greece’s support for the initiatives promoting the Digital Agenda and the “Innovating Europe” proposals.
Finally, Mr. Kourkoulas underscored the need to promote the Banking Union, measures for SMEs, and the social dimension of the EMU.
October 1, 2013