Response from Thessaloniki

In his statements to Deutsche Welle from this year’s TIF, where the honored country is Germany, German Vice Chancellor Robert Hambeck referred to the recovery of the Greek economy, which is now a very interesting field for German investments of large as well as small and medium size. “We also benefit from the Greek experience in the field of digital security and in the field of energy,” he said characteristically, adding:

“Investors from the energy sector are also investing in German energy infrastructure. So we can benefit from each other. The discussions I had with the Greek ministers and the Greek Prime Minister started exactly at this level and quickly reached those points where we could do even better what was already going well.”

In his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the issue of refugees was also discussed. “Greece is one of the countries with the largest reception of immigrants,” he said, while the German government is considering a general reform of its immigration policy for the strictest.

About the Mertz proposals on immigration

In his comment on the recent statements of the head of the official opposition and president of the Christian Democrats, Friedrich Merz, for an immediate tightening of the German immigration policy and the return of immigrants to the countries of first entry into the EU, such as Greece, based on the framework set by “Dublin”, stated:

“Of course I asked what they would think in Greece if we brought all (the applicants) back. This issue, in turn, seems to me that it has never been discussed between – if I may say so – the Greek prime minister and the head of the opposition in Germany, who belong to the same political family”, said Robert Hambeck, referring to the recent suggestions and pressures of Friedrich Mertz.

Of particular interest was the meeting of Robert Hambeck with the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis. During the meeting, the two ministers discussed bilateral relations between Greece and Germany, as well as geopolitical developments, the crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as cooperation in energy, renewable energy and investments, according to a relevant post by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on twitter. Critical bilateral meetings were held with their counterparts by the German Minister of Food and Agriculture Cem Ezdemir and Zeren Bartol, Minister of Agriculture. of Housing, Urban Development and Construction.

Mitsotakis-Xampek with AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Goethe

At last night’s (Saturday) speech by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the packed Vellideo Conference Center, Mr. Hambek mobilized his humor. With his demanding schedule during his stay in Thessaloniki, he definitely needed it. In the greeting, he “took responsibility” for the rain he “brought” from Northern Germany and joked that he feels a bit like the Greek Prime Minister’s “support band”. “And AC/DC used to be Led Zeppelin’s backing band,” he joked.

He emphasized that the emerging challenges for business are even more difficult, especially with the tendency to close markets and increasing limits of protectionism. “Beyond any of our differences and different problems, there is a willingness to cooperate and the TIF is an opportunity for new trade agreements,” he said, pointing to the “human factor” that makes the difference. “We decide on the future of our societies”, he said.

The President of TIF, Tasos Tzikas, praised the German participation in this year’s TIF and hoped that Greece would become a privileged area for German investments. Speaking outside the text and addressing Vice-Chancellor Hambek, Mr. Tzikas conveyed, as a former graduate of the Goethe Institute, the request of the people of Thessaloniki for the Institute to remain in Thessaloniki and play an important role in the culture of the city.

According to the latest information, a special legislative regulation is imminent, which paves the way for the permanent stay of the Institute in the city. The properties of non-profit educational institutions of EU member states will be exempted from ENFIA and other tax burdens borne by their budget.

The German side reportedly shows satisfaction with the relevant arrangement. It remains to be seen whether we will have good news with the final stay of the Goethe Institute in Thessaloniki and the continuation of its great contribution to the city.