The voting in favor of Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker for the position of President of the European Commission by the Council is regarded as significant progress in the European Union according to the Greek Prime Minister Mr. Antonis Samaras ,
Mr Samaras described Mr. Juncker as a passionate European and connoisseur of procedures that will help in development overall. The candidature of Mr. Juncker was supported by everybody’s vote except for the Prime Ministers of Britain and Hungary.
On the 16th of July, the nomination will be put to vote in the European Parliament, while on the 17th a summit meeting will be held in order to decide on other positions of the EU.
The prime minister, who was congratulated by Mr. Barroso and Rompuy in a joint press conference gave a short account of the Greek Presidency noting that there was achieved significant progress in further strengthening the EMU and the promotion of banking and monetary integration,which were main priorities. Further on, he said that the Greek Presidency moved in the direction of strengthening the development of insurance funds so as to combat unemployment. Greece achieved political consensus of the “28” for 15 legislative documents including money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.
Mr.Samaras made reference to the actions of the Greek Presidency in matters of EU border and migration policy and referred to it as a very important issue. He also stated that “we changed the rules of international travel and the functioning of Frontex. We have connected immigration and EU foreign policy that enhances the external security of Europe” .Finally, he referred to maritime policy where there agreements on shipping and maritime safety were also obtained.
Barroso: Congratulations to Mr. Samaras for the amazing work on Greek Presidency
Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso spoke with the warmest words for the Greek Prime Minister, at the press conference after the conclusion of the summit meeting on what has succeeded by the Greek Presidency.
“I want to thank Antonis Samaras. It is impressive what the Greek Presidency has achieved. It was more than the usual since it coincided with the mandate of the European parliament. It was a demonstration of the commitment of the Greek Prime Minister to the common objectives. Samaras has managed to reinforce stability in the country and to make Europe go ahead”, said Mr. Barroso.
While speaking generally about the summit meeting he supported that will be remembered for the EU Association Agreements with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.
