This distinctive period is based on three pri-
mary factors:
(a)
The developments at pan-European institu-
tional level, since towards the end of the first half
of 2014, European citizens have to decide,
through elections, for their representatives at the
European Parliament and, consequently, for the
representatives at the European Commission.
(b)
The reinforcing and further strengthening of
the integration of the Economic and Monetary
Union (EMU).
(c)
The urgent need to meet the challenges of the
economic crisis, addressing, along with the inte-
gration of the EMU, the restoration of viable pub-
lic finances, confronting recessionary conditions
in addition with the high levels of structural unem-
ployment, by adopting growth policies.
More precisely, the priorities of the Greek presi-
dency are:
(a)
To achieve the optimal equilibrium between
fiscal consolidation and growth, in order to
strengthen employment and stimulate cohesion
at the federal and regional level.
(b)
To strengthen the efforts and enhance the
positive effects of a comprehensive European
immigration policy, focusing among others, on the
reduction of the impact of illegal immigration, at
the financial, social and political level.
(c)
To activate and amend the maritime policy
framework, not only under the spectrum of growth
prospects.
(d)
To enhance the convergence among
economies of member states and particularly
focusing on financial and banking convergence,
so as to built up a firewall, to prevent or ease the
consequences of a financial crisis, identical to the
recent financial crisis of 2007/2008.
Apparently, European economies would be in a bet-
ter shape if, timely, a firewall to absorb the conse-
quences of any crisis had been in place.
As European citizens, we have faced the contagion
effects of the recent crisis, due to the incomplete
structure of economic and monetary integration.
Trade with Greece
24
From January 1st, 2014, Greece is undertaking the
Presidency of the Council of the European Union
(EU), in a cornerstone period for the European
integration and the prosperity of European
citizens.
For A Europe of Balance
and Solidarity
By Christos Staikouras, Alternate Minister of Finance
