The Minister of National Defence Dimitris Avramopoulos was today the key-note speaker at a conference concerning the European defence industry, which was organised by the European Commission in Brussels.
The speakers at the Conference were, among others, the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, the Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Antonio Tajani, the Commissioner responsible for Internal Market Michel Barnier and the Minister of Defence of France Jean Yves Le Drian.
After the completion of the conference’s works, Mr. Avramopoulos made the following statement:
“A very important meeting was held today in Brussels, regarding the European Defence Industry which, as you all know, is one of the top priorities of the European Union. That was highlighted at the conclusions of the European Council of December 2013, it is key action, and of course it is the aim of the Greek Presidency. I am here acting as chairman of the EU Defence Ministers council, since this issue is a critical parameter for the planning and implementation of the European Common Security and Defence Policy.
The importance attributed to the European Defence Industry is demonstrated by the conference organised to this end by the European Commissioner, Vice President of the European Commission Mr. Tajani, with whom I had very interesting discussions earlier, as well as by the opening address of the President of the European Commission Mr. Baroso, who referred to the contribution of the Ministry of National Defence in this area, but also to our own contribution, as it was earlier presented.
To these crucial discussions concerning the future of Defence Industry as an international actor for European Economy, Greece is vigorously present. Besides, the role of small and medium enterprises is a key parameter for the activity, but also the competitiveness of the European Defence Industry. It is the agenda under which Greek industries fall, and the one we obviously give great importance to. This fact is attested by our successful attempts to rescue the Hellenic Defence Systems, but also by our institutional interventions concerning the role we would like to see consolidated for small and medium enterprises, mainly in the subcontracting sector; by making the most of the European Defence Agency’s potential and the know-how, as we stress out.
During such critical historic circumstances, Greece plays, and owes to play, its stabilising role in the broader region, and not only. In the context of the Greek Presidency’s needs, but also based on the trust built with nations that wish their connection to the Europen Union. During the seven-day period that preceded, with a series of essential suggestions, proposals and recommendations, we brought out this vital role played by our country, within our broader region, since it is now known that Europe, as well as our neighbourhood, are facing extremely dangerous circumstances, as far as their progress is concerned.
An arch of instability is spreading from Ukraine up to North Africa. Greece has the possibility, the will, the ability, the strength, and it does assume responsibilities, so as to contribute to the collective efforts for the configuration of an environment of stability, peace and cooperation”.