It is a great pleasure for me to represent the European Commission, at this significant event taking place in Thessaloniki.
Today is not only an important day for the Investment Plan and the Greek SMEs.
Today, 9th of May, the European Citizens, we celebrate the Day of Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historical ‘Schuman declaration’.
At a speech in Paris in 1950, Robert Schuman set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe.
66 years later, the European Union remains the most ambitious democratic project in an uncertain world.
The common European project gave a definite end to long standing wars and conflicts creatinga stable and safe social and economic environment.
That is why Europe has become the main destination for many people all over the world.
We have built our common European house on the principles of freedom, equality, diversity and solidarity.
But we have to always keep in mind that we achieve more together that we do alone.
Today this common European House is fragile because of the numerous challenges we face.
The European Union has to prove that is close to its citizens and their real needs.
Today’s important event is a good example. The first European Fund for Strategic Investment deal in Greece is a reality. The Investment Plan is one of the core priorities of President Juncker.
It aims to mobilise at least 315 billion euros in new investments in areas of strategic importance to the EU economy over the next three years.
So far, we have mobilised more than 82 billion euros of investments across 25 Member States – now including Greece. 57 ambitious large-scale projects have been approved for financing.
I am happy to say that already 165 agreements, like the one to be signed in few minutes, have also been approved, benefitting some 136,000 Small and Medium Enterprises and Mid-Caps across the EU.
We all know that the Small and Medium companies are the backbone of the Greek economy.
In order to survive and grow, to maintain their employees and hire new ones they need access to financing.
This is a huge opportunity for Greek SMEs and especially for young and innovative Greek entrepreneurs.
Both the return to growth and job creation are the main challenges for the restart of the Greek economy.
This is the ultimate purpose of the very important Euro group meeting for the Greek economy taking place in few hours in Brussels.
Greece has come a long way over the years. Last August’s agreement provides a framework for stability and recovery, which should be both fair and sustainable.
It is important to stay on the course of reforms.
Greece ranking first in the take up of structural funds (for 2007-2013) is a very positive development.
Today’s Eurogroup is another important staging post to conclude the first review of the program shortly.
Dear Friends,
I have the responsibility for two top priority policy areas, not only for Europe but also globally; Migration and Home Affairs.
Allow me to share with you some few thoughts on these very important issues.
Despite the attacks and the tragic loses of human lives in Paris and in Brussels, we have no fear of terrorism. Terrorist attacks only strengthen our determination to fight against.
We need a real Security Union. Security is a precondition for growth and development. We have to understand that it is crucial to share information, to strengthen our cooperation and to trust each other.
Moving to migration issue, we do have to look at the reality face to face.
I was there and I know exactly what is happening few kilometres northern, in Idomeni, but also in the Aegean islands and many other places in Greece.
The core principles of our common European endeavour are being questioned.
Last week, the European Commission, who has been working from the day one to establish a common approach, presented a legislative proposal to ambitiously reform Dublin.
Some Member States have not welcomed warmly the proposal, although it is balanced and ensures that all the burden is not only on the Members States on frontline, like Greece and Italy.
Responsibility and Solidarity are crashing on xenophobic and populist national walls, fences and minds.
That proves how difficult it is to convince about the need for more Europe.
It is the moment for all of us, the Member States, the Commission of course, to prove what we really mean when we talk about these principles.
The European Commission stands by the Greek state and the people of Greece who have generously welcomed and hosted immigrants.
Five hundred nine million euro has already been allocated to Greece under the EU’s programmes for asylum, migration and internal security (2014-20) and 181 million euro in emergency assistance in 2015-16.
On top of that, we have recently announced eighty three million euro to improve the living conditions of refugees with funding made available immediately.
We are working hand in hand with the Greek authorities to manage the situation on the ground.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to warmly congratulate the partners of the today’s event for taking the initiative to collaborate on this project with the support of the Investment Plan and the European Commission
The European Commission believes that the today’s event is only the beginning for the Investment Plan in Greece.
I encourage Greek stakeholders, with the support of our strategic partners, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund, to join forces and conclude similar agreements soon.
Thank you