Greece: expect short-term pain, says commission boss
17/09/2013 - 5:22pm
Economic recovery is on the cards in Greece, according to European commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, but short-tern economic recovery will continue to be difficultfor the Greek people.
He was speaking in Brussels on 17 September, following a meeting with Greek Prime Minister, Antonis Samaras.
Both men discussed recent developments in Greece’s financial assistance program, as well as the upcoming Greek presidency of the European Council, which begins in January.
Greece’s current economic state was the primary discussion. Samaras recounted the strides that have been made in structural reform, while Barroso praised the hard work and perseverance that the country has shown.
“In the short term, it can be painful,” Barroso said. “But the commission continues to believe this is essential.”
Barroso recalled how, just a year ago, many believed that Greece would have to leave the euro, and now that will not be the case.
Samaras said that this was the first time in six years that the middle of the year recession projections were better than at the beginning of the year.
But, Barroso acknowledged, there is still a long way to go.
“Stepping up the pace of tax reform is crucial,” he said. “It is not only about increasing revenues, but encouraging social fairness.”
Barroso continually maintained that Greece was progressing and the importance of managing expectations through the long and difficult process.
“All those analysts that were predicting the worst were increasing the interest that Greek people were having to pay,” he said.
““I believe now we can say there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Barroso said.
Samaras was optimistic as well. “Our recovery is considered imminent from next year,” he said. Greece’s plans for the EU presidency were simply outlined, as the focus of those in attendance was on fiscal issues.
President Barroso also held a joint press conference earlier in the day with new Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to discuss Albania’s progression toward joining the EU. However, the Greek Foreign Affairs Ministry did not include EU enlargement in its top priorities, released on their website in August, despite being part of the “Trio Programme” along with Ireland and Lithuania.
The “Trio Programme” was an agreement between this string of EU presidents to work on long-term, common goals over their eighteen months. “Ensuring continued momentum of the enlargement agenda,” was among the top priorities, of which there were eleven.
Since there were just four main goals given in this release of the Greek agenda, it is highly possible that they are still intent on enlargement, but wish to put more focus on their chosen four. The list includes “growth-jobs-cohesion,” “further integration of EU-Eurozone,” “migration-borders-mobility,” and “maritime policies.”
Samaras also met with European Parliament President Martin Schulz, followed by meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission Vice-president and Commissioner for Competition Joaquin Almunia. new europe
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