Alternate Foreign Minister G. Katrougalos visits Norway (13-14 June 2017)
Alternate Foreign Minister G. Katrougalos carried out a working visit to Norway on 13 and 14 June, during which he met with his counterpart, European Affairs Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen. During their meeting they discussed a number of issues, including the future of Europe, proposals for social Europe, and the Brexit, as well as the EEA countries' funding mechanism, and in particular the cooperation programmes with Greece.
The Alternate Foreign Minister also met with the Acting Minister of Immigration and Integration, Per Sandberg, whom he briefed on the latest developments in Greece and the European Union, and the two ministers exchanged views on the trends in and challenges of migration on a global level.
Mr. Katrougalos also met with Labour Minister M. Bakke and attended a briefing by the Norwegian think-tank FAFO on the Norwegian social model and welfare state.
Speaking at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), on the subject of "The future of Europe, Greek prospects and perspectives," Mr. Katrougalos stressed that "if the European Union is to continue to exist, it has to become more social and democratic."
All of Mr. Katrougalos' meetings took place in an excellent atmosphere that reflects the high level of cooperation and exceptional bilateral relations between the two countries.