Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta discussed during their one-on-one meeting today, at the Maximos Mansion, the coordination of the two countries’ actions and initiatives ahead of the successive EU Presidencies they will hold next year.
The main subject of discussion was the need to shape a European policy mix that guarantees growth, employment and social cohesion while responding to the concerns of European societies that are under pressure from adaptation programmes and austerity policies. From this perspective, Mr. Venizelos had the opportunity to stress, the notion of a European political south is of very great importance. Both countries can play a very important role in this sector.
The second focus of the discussion was the need to shape and promote a comprehensive maritime policy for the EU and the individual member states, particularly in the Mediterranean space. This also bears on utilization of maritime zones, always, of course, within the framework of the provisions of the International Law of the Sea and respect for the national sovereignty and sovereign rights of all the states in the region. Comprehensive maritime policy is one of the main priorities of the upcoming Greek EU Presidency.
Messrs. Letta and Venizelos also agreed that Mr. Venizelos should visit Rome in the middle of this coming September to meet with Foreign Minister Emma Bonino and European Affairs Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi so that the two EU Presidencies can coordinate, as well as undertake other common initiatives.
July 29, 2013