Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis’ statement upon arrival at the EU General Affairs Council (Brussels 21.03.2023)

Mr. Varvitsiotis said that Greece wants deepening of the single market, which makes Europe a pillar of international economic stability, and stressed that the challenge of the Digital Transition and the transformation of the European economy must be met, using the resources of the Recovery Fund.Referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mr. Varvitsiotis underlined that “we are determined to deal with war crimes through the International Criminal Court, but also to ask those who did not participate in the sanctions to do so, even today”.Regarding the energy crisis, the Alternate Minister stated that the Greek government’s initiatives and proposals to Europe have resulted in lower gas prices and increased reserves. He also pointed out that we must continue to invest in renewable energy sources and to further shield the European energy production system so that it is not exposed to external factors.At the upcoming European Council, European leaders must send a message of determination in the face of turbulence in the international banking system. This was emphasised by Alternate Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis upon his arrival at the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels today. Greece addresses the challenges with optimism, having exceeded its investment and growth targets, the Alternate Minister added.

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