(statement delivered in Greek - check against delivery)
I met with the Prime Minister to discuss the crucial issues of migration and security in Europe and to convey the friendly messages of President Juncker.
As it is well known, migration and security issues are at the heart of the European and global interest.
For Greece, these are issues that have to do with its geopolitical and strategic location, as well as with other countries in the region.
I know that the government – as the Prime Minister mentioned - is concerned with the Dublin system. It is a concern also for the European Commission, which will launch an assessment. There is a common belief that something should change to take into account the new challenges.
I explained to the Prime Minister how important it is for Greece to formulate a national strategy on migration that matches the achievements but also to the rules of Europe, like those that are being developed in the European Agenda on Migration, which I will officially present next month in Brussels, as well as those linked to the European Agenda on Security, which I will present later this month.
The initial participation of the new Greek government at the Council meeting in Brussels of Ministers of Interior and of Migration was positive and the submission of the roadmap for asylum is in the right direction.
However, the country’s migration policy should not be confused with the state of Greece's negotiations with the European institutions.
Nor should it be exploited in communication terms because, inevitably, it sends the wrong signal to Europe.
Europe is determined to demonstrate its solidarity to countries that face increasing migratory pressures.
On the other hand, Greece should make all the necessary steps and adjustments in its migration policy as soon as possible.
To address the critical issue of migration and the new geopolitical realities and the general regional turmoil, Greece is not alone.
Europe is by its side.
[follow-up statement, after a question from a journalist:]
As regards the last point of the Prime Minister, I want to underline that Greece’s participation in the eurozone is a guarantee for the country’s security and stability.
As it is well known, the negotiations with the institutions are ongoing.
We look forward and hope that a solution is found as soon as possible in order for the country to get back to a sustainable path and calm waters and for the government to complete its social and humanitarian policy.
Ensuring social cohesion is, undoubtedly, a priority for Europe and through the Juncker growth package, conditions for growth will be created for Europe and of course for Greece.
However, I must tell you that I cannot imagine that there would be a government that would put risk for the future generations the historic conquest of Greece to be at the heart of a united Europe.
