“Europe is now called upon to prove that it realizes the size and weight of the crises it is facing. Pressures on our economy, competitiveness and safety and the ever -increasing distrust of some citizens leave no room for inactivity. Any delay – either from ideological bullshit or by political cowardice – would be a historical mistake. “

These remarks were made by the Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, speaking today at the “Olympia Dialogues with Josef Ackermann” event, in the presence of the former head of Deutsche Bank, whose contribution to the Greek economic crisis.

The deputy prime minister noted that while Europe is undoubtedly advantageous in political freedoms and the welfare state, but Europeans consider data and are increasingly challenging European institutions and the process of European building. “That’s why,” he stressed, “and the rise of Euroscepticism – associated with the sense of alienation of citizens from European processes and the feeling that the EU is unable to effectively respond to people’s daily concerns. That is, the United Europe is still questioned in the areas that undoubtedly advocates! “

The deputy prime minister also described the challenges facing the EU today, resulting in – as he typically said – from mild superpower becoming more and more mild and less superpower.

“In the economic field, our continent is squeezed between the United States and China. We are lagging behind in key areas such as innovation, productivity and investment. The absence of strong central coordination prevents us from translating our overall size into real economic power. The green transition – in which Europe rightly leads worldwide – brings us to the risk of transporting productive activities to third countries. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown, in the most harsh way, that the security dividend that Europe enjoyed in the post -Cold War era no longer exists, “he said.

In front of these challenges, Mr. Hatzidakis pointed out the need for 4 axes initiative:

1. Stimulate the competitiveness of the European economy, with the “guide” of the Letta and Draghi reports “to close the gap that separates us from our main commercial partners and to create a basis for stable and sustainable development”. Mr. Hatzidakis was particularly 3 points:

-Commia of the common market, by removing obstacles and reduction of administrative weight,

-Foring the Capital Markets Union – to cease European innovative businesses to transfer their headquarters to the US because they find it difficult to find funding and,

-Comrade the banking union with the establishment of a pan -European deposit warranty system.

2. Adoption of more effective European energy policies in networks, actual integration of the European energy market and a new approach to green transition, “which balances the need to reduce emissions by protecting European industry and securing affordable energy prices for citizens”. The Deputy Prime Minister also reiterated the Prime Minister’s proposal to provide greater freedom in every country to choose the ways in which he will eventually achieve the energy goals that have been concluded in the long run by 2050.

3. Conservation of cohesion policy as a central pillar of European integration. “Consistency and competitiveness are not conflicting goals. They are complementary, “Mr Hatzidakis said, adding:” We can do extremely well in innovation, investment, green and digital transition. But if international markets are closed for European products – and this is a possibility that we do not fully control – then our efforts are in danger of being left without a response. In this environment, the existence of a strong and robust internal market is the best shield. This is something we can affect by reinforcing the available consumer income. And cohesion policy is a powerful tool in this direction. “

4. Strengthening European Defense, which is no longer a luxury, but an immediate and urgent need. “The Rearm Europe plan is a step in the right direction,” Mr Hatzidakis said. “But it is not just enough to make more investment in defense. We should also proceed with a single defense industrial policy. The money from the new joint defense fund should go to European companies. “

“It takes,” Mr Hatzidakis concluded, “political leaderships to inspire and persuade. To take into account concerns, but to form, in addition to phobic syndromes, policies that will build a better tomorrow for all European citizens. To make it clear that the progress of a single state is not sufficient if it is undermined by structural weaknesses and stability problems in all other European states. Explain, as simply as possible, the damage caused by small intra -European conflicts, and its added value together. Convey the sense of urgency and the historicity of moments. Jean Monnet is once again waiting to be justified. But we must help him. It is worth Europe, our children deserve it, “he said.