What issues did the president of PASOK-Movement for Change N. Androulakis raise at the PES Council in Brussels

The need for a Common European Foreign and Defense Policy was raised by the President of PASOK and the Movement for Change, Nikos Androulakis, at the annual Council for a Europe of Justice, Sustainability, Respect, of the European Socialist Party (PES) in Brussels.

Mr Androulakis raised the issue of the arms embargo on Turkey again during a panel discussion on European Defense, which was attended by Malta’s European Commissioner for Equality, Elena Daly, the head of SD Slovenia, and MEP Tania Fayon, and the Vice President of the European Parliament, Katarina Bali.

Regarding the challenges of common defense in the EU, Mr. Androulakis expressed the view that “the biggest issue we face is the conflicting interests of the member states. It does not make sense to have a common army if we can not decide how to use it.” . Referring to arms exports, he added: “Last year, we, as Socialists, tabled my proposal for an arms embargo on Turkey, following the policy of violation of the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus by Turkey. The amendment was approved by a large majority, but nothing “Many member states, including those with socialist governments such as Spain, continue to export weapons to Turkey that can be used against the two member states. This is unacceptable,” he added.

“In the years of economic crisis, Greece has never reduced its defense budget, so for us, the creation of a Common European Foreign and Defense Policy is a matter of solidarity. Only if we act together can we succeed,” he added. Androulakis.

On the sidelines of the annual Council, Mr. Androulakis had a brief meeting and in a good mood, with the new Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Soltz, whom he congratulated on assuming his duties. Respectively, Mr. Soltz congratulated Mr. Androulakis for his election victory in the recent internal party procedures.

In a meeting with Mr. Androulakis, the leader of the Group of the Socialists and Democrats, Iratse Garcia Perez, congratulated Mr. Androulakis on his success in the elections, while both stressed the importance of great participation. Mr. Androulakis expressed the view that this is a great opportunity and that he is very optimistic that the party is returning. The two of them agreed to hold a joint event in Greece in the immediate future.