Staikouras to Lindner: European and decisive solutions needed to tackle unprecedented crisis

The the need to explore European, far-sighted and decisive policy solutions to deal with the unprecedented crisis that Europe is experiencing, stressed the Minister of Finance, Christos Staikourasduring his meeting with his German counterpart, Christian Lindner.

As he said, “In this fluid and changing environment, the Greek economy has endured, adapted, recovered, strengthened, upgraded.
This is certified by all evaluations of domestic and international bodies. Indicatively, I note that ELSTAT announced that the GDP of Greece, in the first quarter of the year, showed a large increase, significantly higher than the European average. In the same direction, the European Commission predicts that the Greek economy will grow strongly and sustainably in both 2022 and 2023, with Greece being the European champion for the next two years, in investment and exports.».

He added that in the current difficult times, government seeks fiscal stability while supporting households and businesses and utilizing the available European funds and tools.

Referring to exit of Greece from the Enhanced Supervision regime, As it is expected to be confirmed in the Eurogroup that will take place the day after tomorrow, Mr. Staikouras pointed out that a great national goal is being achieved. “Thus, together with the lifting of capital restrictions and the early repayment of the International Monetary Fund loan, a difficult chapter for the country, a chapter that opened in 2010, closes”stated characteristically.

In fact, the Minister of Finance made special reference to Turkish challenges stressing that a “Common, European response to revisionist trends”.

«I note the unacceptable, arbitrary and provocative attitude of Turkey towards Greece, which is a negative factor for the consolidation of peace, stability and economic prosperity in the wider region. “United Europe must remember that Greece has always guarded the Thermopylae of Greece and Europe, and will be consistent in its dealings with history in a timely manner.”concluded.

The speech of Christos Staikouras in detail

Honorable Minister,
Dear Christian Lindner,
I welcome you to the Ministry of Finance of Greece, with great pleasure, as a partner, ally and friend.
I express my gratitude for the sincere, productive and mutually beneficial cooperation we have developed.
Cooperation based on the cornerstones of trust, confidence and mutual respect.
Cooperation with the central goal of accelerating the deepening and strengthening of the European Union.

Mr. Minister,
Our meeting today takes place at a critical time for the world, Europe and Greece.
A period marked by successive crises, the last one resulting from the absolutely condemnable Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Crises that create an environment of high uncertainty, with strong turmoil and great challenges.

In this fluid and changing environment, the Greek economy has endured, adapted, recovered, strengthened, upgraded.
This is certified by all evaluations of domestic and international bodies.
Evaluations with measurements, not simple descriptions.
Indicatively, I note that the Hellenic Statistical Service announced that the GDP of Greece, in the first quarter of the year, showed a large increase, significantly higher than the European average.
In the same direction, the European Commission predicts that the Greek economy will grow strongly and sustainably in both 2022 and 2023, with Greece “champion” in Europe, for the next two years, in investment and exports.
While it continues to achieve a significant reduction in unemployment, especially among young people and women.

The 14th Enhanced Surveillance Report recognizes the responsible, reforming and dynamic economic policy pursued by the Greek Government.
Fiscal responsibility-based economic policy is reform-minded and development-oriented.
In the current – very difficult – situation, we seek the stability of public finances, while strengthening, responsibly and realistically, households and businesses and utilizing the available European funds and tools.
Thus, in 2021, despite the large “package” of measures we took to support citizens, the country’s primary deficit was much lower than forecast and public debt fell sharply, recording one of the largest annual public debt reductions in its history. eurozone.
The consequence of all this is the immediate exit of Greece from the status of Enhanced Supervision, as is expected to be confirmed the day after tomorrow, in the next Eurogroup.
A great national goal is therefore being achieved, for which – as a Government – we have worked for a long time, methodically and responsibly.
It closes, thus, along with the lifting of capital restrictions and the early repayment of the International Monetary Fund loan, a difficult chapter for the country, a chapter that opened in 2010.
Greece, after many years of sacrifices by society and through the systematic effort of citizens and the state, returns to European normalcy, demonstrating stability and resilience.
It is no longer placed as an exception in the eurozone!

As a result, the new crisis affects, but does not divert our economy from the goals we have set.
It is a fact, however, that the cost of dealing with it is very high, and no European Member State can afford it alone.
We, as the Greek Government, actively contribute to the search for optimal solutions at European level and at the same time return to the citizens, especially to the most vulnerable households and businesses, the “social dividend” from the good execution of the state budget, maintaining the necessary fiscal balance and the dynamics of public debt reduction.
Just as we did, effectively, during the severe health crisis.
And as we do for the other challenges we are called to face and they concern:
 the utilization of the Recovery and Durability Fund, with ambitious timetables,
Πράσι the green transition, with realistic policies and public and private investment,
 the completion of the banking union,
 promoting the integration of capital markets,
 the taxation of the digital economy and multinational corporations, based on recent OECD decisions, which were endorsed by both our countries,
 the new fiscal rules, which should ensure sustainable public finances, while providing the maximum possible flexibility in dealing with crises, protecting and encouraging investment, transparency in the planning and implementation of any changes.

But challenges beyond the realm of economics.
Such as the need for a common, European approach to revisionist trends.
I note the unacceptable, arbitrary and provocative attitude of Turkey towards Greece, which is a negative factor for the consolidation of peace, stability and economic prosperity in the wider region.
The United Europe must remember that Greece has always guarded the Thermopylae of Greece and Europe, and will be consistent in its rendezvous with history.

Dear Minister,
The situation we are experiencing is historic.
The challenges that lie ahead of us are great and complex.
That is why, in closing, I will reiterate our belief that European, far-sighted and decisive political solutions are needed.
Solutions for the present and the future of Europe, which will incorporate the lessons of old and new experiences.
It is clear that we will continue to work, hard, systematically and responsibly, to overcome the difficulties and the comprehensive strengthening of Greece and Europe.

Dear Christian,
Thank you again for today’s meeting, for the excellent cooperation we have developed and for your kind words.
Reports that are proof of recognition of the long sacrifices of society, the sound economic policy of recent years and the positive prospects of the Greek economy.