T
he European Parliament elections will
take place in May during the Greek pres-
idency, which is of course crucial to the
European institution that I have the privilege to
lead.
Having travelled to Greece on many occasions
and having met with government, business and
civil society, I know that Greek citizens are oper-
ating under extremely challenging and difficult
circumstances, to say the least, but I believe
now we can say there is light at the end of the
tunnel. Greece has a bright future and has
undergone huge economic, social and political
sacrifices for its future. Greek business and
trade are vital to economic recovery, which
should strengthen in 2014, and I encourage
investors to see Greece's potential, and not just
read the press headlines about decline.
The Greek presidency will play an important role
in ensuring that key legislative files are taken for-
ward in the Council in the first crucial six months
of 2014. Indeed, I welcome the priorities of the
Greek presidency, namely jobs growth and cohe-
sion, further integration of the EU and the euro
zone, migration-borders-mobility and maritime
policies. The European Parliament will be the key
partner in adopting legislation to make Europe
stronger in these areas.
Let me take this opportunity to wish the Greek
Presidency of the Council, the Greek business
and trade sectors and, most importantly, the
Greek people success – we are working hard to
bring a better future for Greece and the European
Union.
Trade with Greece
8
In January 2014, Greece will assume the
rotating Presidency of the Council of the
European Union (EU) for six months, gaining
an important opportunity to promote an agenda
for growth, jobs, and solidarity for one of the
largest economic blocs in the world.
Greece will be in the
Spotlight for Different and
more Welcome Reasons
By Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament
