JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ - Greek-German Bilateral Action Plan: 3rd meeting at State Secretary level, Berlin, 12th December 2019

As early as in 2014 Germany and Greece decided to enhance their bilateral relations through closer cooperation. Thus, the Action Plan on Bilateral Cooperation was signed on 4th December 2016 by the Greek and German Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The Action Plan is a milestone in the relationship between Germany and Greece.

The plan aims to intensify the bilateral relations on all levels and in all areas – politics, economy, science, education, culture, and media as well as between the civil societies of both countries.

On the basis of the Action Plan, the third round of consultations at State Secretary level took place in Berlin on 12th December 2019.

Reaffirming their commitment to working together to build a united and stronger Europe, the Greek and German competent Ministries for Foreign Affairs, Finance, Economy and Energy, Interior, Agriculture, Labour and Social Affairs, Education and Religious Affairs, Research, Youth and Cultural Affairs acknowledged good progress in bilateral cooperation and agreed on the below list of results so far achieved, as well as on perspectives for the work ahead, with the aim to continue and intensify cooperation in their respective domains. A special focus of the consultations was on supporting the economy and investment, education and migration.

Both sides agreed on the objective of a strong, sovereign and social European Union, their dedication to the European Integration as well as to multilateralism.

I.    Political Cooperation

Consultations between Ministries of Foreign Affairs

With the aim of enhancing Europe as an international player and strengthening the European contribution to global peace and security, consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs were held on a range of topics inter alia Western Balkans, Turkey, China, Near and Middle East. Both sides agreed on the importance of EU-Turkey relations. Turkey, embedded in the Euro-Atlantic architecture, remains an important, though at times very challenging partner. Both sides reiterated their interest in a constructive relation with Turkey, including at EU level, always in the framework provided by international law and good neighbourly relations. Both sides stressed that the Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions in the Mediterranean Sea infringes upon the sovereign rights of third States, undermining Greek sovereignty and sovereign rights in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean and contravenes the Law of the Sea and therefore it cannot produce any legal consequences. The German side expresses its full solidarity with Greece regarding these actions by Turkey. At the same time, the continuing deterioration of rule of law and fundamental rights in Turkey remains of serious concern to the EU. Both sides agreed that significant improvement in these areas is necessary. An important field of cooperation with Turkey concerns migration, following the EU-Turkey Statement of 18/03/2016.

Both sides stressed their joint commitment to the EU-perspective for the Western Balkans formulated back in 2003 in Thessaloniki and reconfirmed in 2018 in Sofia. Due to its transformative and stabilizing effect, the enlargement policy of the EU has been a success story. Both sides expressed their disappointment that an agreement on opening accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia has not been reached so far and while expressing their belief that full compliance with the agreed conditionality by both countries is necessary, Germany and Greece reiterated their determination to advocate for a positive decision on opening the accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia in the foreseeable future.

Both sides agreed to intensify their dialogue on the EU-China relations with a view to strengthening EU unity vis-à-vis China and enhancing coherence of the EU policy approach towards China.

Cooperation on security issues and migration

The two sides, while remaining committed to their cooperation in internal security, confirmed the progress that has been made in this field, especially regarding border protection and migration management and expressed their willingness to strengthen their cooperation.

Contact Points on countering human trafficking from both sides will be appointed in order to achieve direct communication and foster the operational cooperation.

Furthermore, there is a common support in the development of a common and integrated European policy for the management of the EU's external borders in the spirit of solidarity that must characterize EU Member States.

Moreover, there is a common support on establishing a common European Return and Relocation Mechanism so as to put coordinated pressure on third countries and tackle migrant smuggling networks.

Both sides agreed on the need of European High Level Conference including the Commission, UNHCR and EU Member States focusing on the relocation issue as the management of the unaccompanied minors’ issue should concern us all because it is linked to our humanity and our European culture.

The strengthening of the information exchange between the two countries to fight organized trafficking networks is an important factor.

Both sides agreed to strengthen their cooperation by deploying Police Liaison Officers regarding border controls and other Civil Servants regarding registration of asylum applications.

They are looking forward to a more operational role of FRONTEX.

Cooperation on better managing situations of refugees and migration

Germany and Greece are in close contact regarding renewed migratory pressure. The 5th Greek-German Migration Dialogue took place on 25th November 2019 in Athens. It offered a platform for mutual exchange in the field of asylum and migration. Both sides agreed to continue their close cooperation.

In recent months there have been numerous meetings between Germany and Greece to ascertain Greece’s needs in terms of bilateral support. The Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community and experts from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the Federal Police, and the Federal Agency for Technical Relief visited Greece from 29 to 31 October 2019. The mission was dedicated to identifying current challenges and specific support requirements, in particular regarding material and technical equipment and the transfer of expertise. The Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community and the authorities within its remit were requested to study the feasibility of providing support at very short notice.

II.    Economic and technological cooperation

With the aim of contributing to growth following Greece’s successful completion of the support programme, both sides will continue to promote investment and business cooperation. Two big events are planned for 2020 which underline the common efforts:

The Greek-German Economic Forum in spring 2020 shall call high level representatives of both governments and businesses to discuss opportunities for investment and innovation for industry, research and society in Greece and Germany.

Germany will be the Honoured Country at the 85th edition of Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). The TIF will provide a unique opportunity to highlight the significantly increased prospects for collaboration between both countries and to showcase German technology, innovation and culture.

Export promotion

Within the framework of the EU Commission’s Structural Reform Support Service (SRSS), a project to improve the export promotion of Greek products and services was successfully completed and necessary follow-up measures have been identified: a new project “Export Promotion Plus” has started in spring 2019.

The Greek government is developing a new export strategy focusing on mainstreaming and consolidating all trade and investment promotion tools under the coordination of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Export Promotion Plus’ Terms of Reference are being reviewed in order to reflect the new strategy. Both sides are continuing to work in good and close cooperation.

Both sides agree to facilitate networking and the exchange of best practice for start-ups. As an aligned project of the Market Entry Programme the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy will arrange an information tour of Greek start-ups and multipliers to Germany in the second half of 2020.

Furthermore, in 2020 two additional projects are intended within the Market Entry Programme, in February 2020 a business mission of German SME from the waste and recycling industry sector and in the second half 2020 a business mission of the water and sewage industry in Greece.

Important Projects of Common European Interest

Within the scope of the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs), both sides agreed to strengthen their bilateral cooperation so as to enhance networking between Greek and German companies and be part of European value chains. Greece has expressed its interest to be part of the European Battery Innovation project as a Prospective Participant and the German side welcomed its expression of interest in participation, while both sides agreed to work closely together. Both parties committed that this kind of cooperation will be eventually expanded to additional IPCEIs.

Energy, Renewables, climate protection

Within the framework of TARES++/SRSS (Technical Assistance for renewable energies and energy efficiency in Greece) as well as TARES4/SRSS (Technical support for Clean Energy Investments in Greece), cooperation between Germany and Greece in the field of renewables and energy efficiency in Greece has been intensified. Steps have been made to develop initiatives there as well as in the area of electricity systems supporting long-term energy and climate planning in Greece for the period up to 2050. Support by Germany will be provided in particular on the analysis of the potential for the future development of clean energy technologies in Greece, their integration into the national energy system and the estimation of the related investment needs. Furthermore, within the framework of the project “Technical support for the implementation of the National Waste Management Plan (NWMP) of Greece” a close partnership has also been developed in the field of sustainable waste management and circular economy. In the context of the project implementation, support is focused on the improvement of municipal waste management, on specific regulatory issues of the waste sector and on the management of specific waste categories. Within the European Climate Initiative the German Ministry for the Environment is currently supporting eight projects in Greece. Six further projects are to be launched until the end of the year.

Both sides agree to enable attempts for mobilising additional clean investments in order to achieve smart, sustainable, competitive and inclusive growth. Both sides encourage collaboration on the challenges of decarbonization in regions economically dependent on coal/lignite production. Furthermore, both sides encourage collaboration on innovative technologies and knowledge exchange in the fields of Renewable Energy, in order to increase its share in all sectors by transferring  relevant experiences and best practices (i.e. transport and especially e-mobility, local added-value from enhanced cooperation in the fields of circular economy, variable renewables combined with storage and demand response energy systems aiming to stable operation of the power system, floating offshore wind parks, biogas/biomethane injection to natural gas grids and energy production in local communities), Energy Efficiency (i.e. concepts for smart and sustainable buildings and cities) and smart sustainable forms of increasingly green energy production. Cooperation shall be expanded in research and development (R&D) in these fields, with the aim of promoting innovative projects. Regarding e-mobility, exchange of knowledge could be particularly useful in the areas of e-mobility market organization, development of recharging public infrastructure, integration of e-mobility traffic to the electricity grid, tax incentives, subsidies and car use incentives.

With regard to the EU framework, both countries agree to exchange views and to further expand their fruitful cooperation.

Agri-Food Sector

The use and development of new digital technologies in agriculture can contribute to environmental and climate protection in both countries. The respective Greek and German ministries will intensify their research activities in this area and cooperate on the European level i. e. in research networks such as the ERA-NET ICT AGRI-FOOD. Both sides agree to work together to advance climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation in agriculture and forestry ambitiously at European level.

Both sides expressed the willingness to cooperate regarding the new CAP 2021-2027 and the similar challenges which both the German and the Greek agricultural sector face.

The German side encouraged participation at the International Green Week and assured that agricultural networks would be at their disposal.

III.    Scientific, social, cultural and educational cooperation

Research and academic Cooperation

Aiming at the strengthening of science and innovation, the successful research and innovation cooperation programme is being continued. In the framework of the current bilateral cooperation programme 24 “2+2”- projects with partners from academia and industry from both countries are jointly funded with up to € 18 million for 3 years until 2021. Topics cover a wide range of sectors from health and energy to bio-economy and key enabling technologies. The two sides agreed to the organization of a midterm-meeting in Germany in the first half of 2020 and a final conference in Greece in 2021. Moreover, outstanding results of the cooperation shall be jointly presented to a wider interested public at the Thessaloniki International Fair 2020.

Both sides have confirmed their support to explore further potential for exchange and cooperation in the field of knowledge and technology transfer between German and Greek universities, research organizations, platforms and institutes and connecting them with start-ups and the business world. In the framework of the research and innovation programme both sides appreciated that training measures, which have commenced in summer 2019 will be continued in Germany in the first half of 2020. These measures will be combined with the midterm-meeting of the bilateral research and innovation programme.

Both sides welcomed that the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation will continue their strong engagement in bilateral academic and scientific exchange.

Germany and Greece will work closely together during the upcoming German (2020) and Greek (2021) Presidencies in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Delegations of the two countries at the IHRA have already launched a fruitful and productive cooperation.

Both Germany and Greece have adopted the IHRA's Working Definition of Anti-Semitism, the most universally accepted and expertly driven definition of Anti-Semitism available today. The IHRA unites governments and experts to strengthen, advance, and promote Holocaust education, remembrance, and research worldwide. Moreover, while mandated to focus on Holocaust-related issues, it is resolved to take a leading role in combating the scourge of Anti-Semitism which is once again on the rise.

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and Training (VET) will be reinforced. Both sides will enhance exchanging best practices for a system that is quality and demand driven and ensures transitions from education to decent jobs and lifelong learning. For this purpose, the German side will host a study tour on dual VET for representatives of Greek authorities and social partners in the beginning of 2020.

Labour and Social affairs

Fighting unemployment, guaranteeing fair wages to the labour force and ensuring basic security benefits for the most vulnerable social groups is a priority. Both sides share the joint understanding that social policies should play a key role in making Europe more resilient to economic and financial crises.

Over the last year, exchange of knowledge and experience has taken place on issues  such as labour market integration of the long-term unemployed, youth unemployment, empowerment of women and gender equality, assistance for single parent families, social partnership/European Social Model and combat against undeclared work.

During the regular meetings of experts the thematic exchange of ideas and concepts continued with a focus on the opportunities and challenges for sound integration of migrants into the labour market.

The multi-annual cooperation between the Greek Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) and the German Federal Employment Agency about the Labour Market was successfully completed. A joint participation at the Thessaloniki International Fair in September 2020 is envisaged.

The two sides have entered into an intensive dialogue, on which opportunities and challenges are being perceived with regard to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (upward convergence, minimum income protection and minimum wages in Europe). With regard to upward convergence in the European Union, a jointly organized trilateral event on Minimum Income Protection and Minimum Wages in Europe with the participation of Cyprus, Germany and Greece will take place in Athens on January 20th, 2020.

In addition both sides will cooperate in the field of Active Labour Market Policies (ALMPs), with special focus on training, reskilling and upskilling.

Cultural Cooperation

Both sides remain strongly committed to updating their bilateral Cultural Agreement concluded in 1956 with the view to accommodating the necessities, especially with regard to the status of cultural institutions active in both countries. They agreed to reinitiate negotiations and fixed a new date for the launch of cultural consultations in the first trimester of 2020.

In light of the above, they fully acknowledge the importance of convening a meeting of experts. This expert group will evaluate the areas where the agreement needs to be updated and/or extended in the fields of education.

Both sides reiterated the importance of promoting bilateral exchanges of scientific personnel and technological know-how, and agreed to particularly encourage the exchange of know-how and best practices applied in the sector of Cultural and Creative Industries. In this framework, both sides shall also explore all possible fund-raising opportunities and encourage partnerships, synergies and artistic residencies, as a way to advance cultural and creative professionals. They also agreed to encourage the exchange of archaeological, medieval and contemporary art exhibitions. They also exchanged views on the importance of innovative scientific-research projects on climate change and its consequences on monuments, as well as on immigration and the integration of refugees into the social and cultural life of each country.

Germany will be Guest of Honour at the Thessaloniki Book Fair in May 2020. The Book Fair will provide a unique opportunity to showcase German literature and authors including an additional cultural programme.

Both sides exchanged views on the merits of presenting the Greek and German cultural heritage as well as contemporary art. They encouraged cooperation in the fields of sharing knowledge and experience on issues concerning research, study, preservation and protection of cultural heritage, through the competent Greek and German authorities, especially the German Archaeological Institute. Furthermore, they encouraged the organization of meetings between the two countries’ experts, the organization of seminars on the protection and promotion of archaeological sites and monuments and the cooperation in the framework of international organizations such as UNESCO in the field of Cultural Heritage. They confirmed their willingness to further enhance the fight against illicit trafficking in cultural goods within the context of European and international law. The intention to enhance the cooperation on combating illicit trafficking in cultural property should be reflected in the future, updated Cultural Agreement.

IV.    Cooperation at societal level

Both sides encouraged projects to promote mutual understanding between the two societies and to dismantle prejudices and stereotypes. Both sides reaffirmed the importance to include the events that took place in Greece during the German occupation (1941-1944) in the secondary school curricula, as foreseen in the Action Plan (Pillar IV.3.)

The Agreement on the Greek-German Youth Office was signed on 4th July 2019. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to solve remaining issues in order to facilitate the start of the Greek-German Youth Office’s activities as soon as possible. In Leipzig, at the German headquarter of the German-Greek Youth Office, a German-Greek youth BarCamp (interactive format) on Europe took place in May 2019. The fourth German-Greek Youth Forum is scheduled for May 2020 in Athens.

Both sides acknowledge the development of the Greek-German Assembly (DGV) as a network of municipalities of both countries focusing on the exchange of know-how and best practices in various topics of interest to local and regional administrations The German side expresses hope for a nomination of the Greek representative to the DGV as soon as possible. The annual conference of the Greek-German Assembly took place in Erding, Bavaria (5-7 November 2019) with more than 300 participants. It offered a forum for continuing and deepening the exchange of knowledge as well as experience and to build up and deepen municipal partnerships. The next and 10th conference of the DGV will take place in Greece.

V.    Follow-up

The two sides remain committed to reviewing the implementation of the Action Plan in the framework of follow-up meetings to be held in the coming months in Athens and Berlin. The next round of consultations at State Secretary level will take place in Athens in autumn 2020.

Berlin, 12th December 2019"