French Ambassador: Broad Consensus Between Greek Government, and French Presidency of the EU

The strengthening and convergence of Greek-French relations, as expressed once again today during the working breakfast, presented by the French Ambassador Patrick Mezonav to the ambassadors of the EU member states in Athens, with the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, on the occasion of the opening of the French Presidency of the Council of the EU.

In a statement after the working breakfast, with N. Dendias and M. Varvitsiotis at his side, the French ambassador to Greece warmly thanked the ministers for the “thorough discussion” and noted that “there is a broad consensus between the positions of the Greek government.” and those who have been nominated or will be nominated by the French Presidency “. Also, as he pointed out, he duly appreciated what Mr. Dendias said regarding the relationship between Greece and the European Union with Africa, “since on this continent there are numerous stakes for us Europeans”.

Focusing on the discussion they had during the working breakfast, the French ambassador described it as interesting and said that it gives him the opportunity to convey to the French authorities in Paris “the fact that our Greek friends support our priorities, which does not surprise me. “since a few months ago we signed a strategic partnership with Greece”. This partnership, as he underlined, provides for consultations on many issues, not only defense but also political and diplomatic in the broad sense of the terms.

He further expressed the hope that the fiscal discipline rules of the Member States of the Union, which were introduced in the early 1990s, would be consulted. .

Regarding immigration, he said that they talked about “its challenges, a phenomenon that concerns Greece strongly but not only that, we also saw in the summer what happened on the borders of Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.”

France’s ideas on Schengen reform were also discussed at the working breakfast. “This is something we attach great importance to, as the Schengen area is a major achievement for Europe. It is important to analyze the ways in which we will politically readjust the functioning of the Schengen area, as well as the management of our common currency, the euro. “he emphasized characteristically.

Finally, the health crisis and its consequences for economies and societies were discussed. “The French Presidency will bring to the table a number of proposals aimed at reducing, in any case, calculating and taking into account the impact of the economic crisis on our economies,” Patrick Maisonav said.

It is noted that before starting the debate, they honored the memory of the late President of the European Parliament David Sassoli, while tonight in Strasbourg he will be honored.

SOURCE: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ