Priorities of the Greek presidency will be economic recovery, strengthening of security and cohesion within the Union, deepening of Economic and Monetary Union, strengthening of euro and integrated management of migrations.

Opening ceremony at which Greece formally took over the six-month presidency of the Union was held in the presence of the highest representatives of the European Union in Athens on Wednesday evening.

At the ceremony held with comprehensive security measures, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso spoke about main priorities of the European policy in the next period, but among them they did not mention EU enlargement process. Priorities of the Greek presidency will be economic recovery, strengthening of security and cohesion within the Union, deepening of Economic and Monetary Union, strengthening of euro and integrated management of migrations – Prime Minister Samaras specified.   

Barroso pointed out in his speech that the end of the economic crisis is close and he mentioned examples of Ireland and Portugal as the proof that economic recovery is in sight.

He enumerated EU successes over the last year, among which he included a series of measures for strengthening of the common market and cohesion, but he did not mentioned Croatia`s accession to full membership in July 2013.

At the same time, EC President expressed his expectation that Greece will also get out of the current difficulties thanks to the severe austerity measures.

“I am aware that the Greek people goes through the difficult period and I want to congratulate them for the courage and dignity”, Barroso stated, adding that without Greece it is impossible to imagine modern European civilization.

During its fifth EU presidency, since its accession in 1981, Greece plans to organize 14 ministerial meetings and another 120 different meetings by 1 July, when Italy will take over the presidency.

The opening ceremony was marked by the unprecedented security measures in Athens, and all protests were banned.

Authorities introduced 18-hour ban of protests from Wednesday at 6.00, and reinforced the presence of the police forces for breaking riots in the city centre.

Integral speech of the President Barroso

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