The need for a joint European response to the problem of rising energy prices was stressed by Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis upon arrival at the EU General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg today, noting that “the Greek proposal is clear: Europe should buy gas on behalf of the Member States, so that we can supply it at the best possible price and in the largest possible quantities”.
In his statements, the Alternate Minister pointed out that Europe should react to the issue of energy and the increase of gas prices, adding that Greece supports the Spanish initiative and at the same time underlining the common position of the countries of the South, which are united – as he said – in this perspective. “We look forward to hearing the European Commission’s proposals and co-shaping by the end of the week the way to tackle this major challenge”, he noted.
In addition to the issue of energy, Mr. Varvitsiotis referred to migration, saying that “a serious, robust European migration policy is required that will meet Europe’s principles for respect for human rights, but will also meet the Greek and European citizens’ demand for security”.
Regarding the Rule of Law, the Alternate Minister noted that any discussion should take place within the framework of understanding from the part of the other Member states, but above all with respect for the acquis communautaire.
Regarding the forthcoming Climate Change Conference, he underscored that “it is important for Europe to be once again at the forefront of tackling this major challenge to humanity”.
It is reminded that the agenda of the General Affairs Council includes the preparation of the European Council to be held on Thursday and Friday 21-22 / 10 in Brussels, where Mr. Varvitsiotis will accompany Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The Alternate Minister’s full statement is as follows:
“In the context of preparing the European Council, we are having an extremely hot agenda to discuss, including the energy agenda, rising gas prices and, of course, the ways in which Europe should respond. The Greek proposal is clear: Europe should buy natural gas on behalf of the Member States so that we can supply it at the best possible price and in the largest possible quantities. That is why we support the Spanish initiative and all the countries of the South are united in the face of this perspective.
We look forward to hearing the European Commission’s proposals and co-shaping by the end of the week the way to tackle this major challenge. At the same time, migration is once again on the table, which for us constitutes a major issue in terms of our relationship with Europe and the rest of the world. We want a serious, robust European migration policy, which will meet the principles of Europe for respect for human rights, but at the same time will meet the Greek and European citizens’ demand for security. Finally, we will discuss the Rule of Law in the European Union, which is one of our major and basic choices. We believe that any discussion should take place within the framework of understanding from the part of the other Member States, but above all with respect for our common acquis communautaire.
The European Council on Thursday and Friday is also preparing the participation of European leaders at the Climate Change Conference. Having experienced the effects of climate change, but also the ones we live in every day, it is important that Europe is once again at the forefront of tackling this major challenge to humanity”.
