Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU · Minister Antonis Samaras. In negotiations with the EU...
Transcript of Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU · Minister Antonis Samaras. In negotiations with the EU...
Council Presidency Briefing
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Last updated: 6 January 2014
Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU
1 January – 30 June 2014
Executive summary
On 1 January, Greece inherited the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Lithuania, and will hold it until the 30th
of June 2014. During this time Greece will chair most meetings of the Council, assume responsibility for long-term
planning of its activities and lead negotiations with the European Parliament on a variety of legislative files.
This briefing gives a detailed account of the policy priorities of the Presidency, in addition to providing information on the tasks that will be expected of Greece and the challenges that it may encounter.
Image courtesy of © Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU
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Table of Contents
Executive summary ......................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.0 Greece at a glance .................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 Greece at the helm ................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.0 Role of the Presidency .............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.0 Priorities of the Presidency ....................................................................................................................................... 7
5.0 Challenges for the Presidency................................................................................................................................... 9
6.0 Work of the Council Presidency by policy area....................................................................................................... 10
7.0 Greek Presidency Council Meeting Dates ............................................................................................................... 24
8.0 Upcoming Council Presidencies .............................................................................................................................. 25
9.0 Key Presidency events ............................................................................................................................................ 26
10.0 Contacts ................................................................................................................................................................ 27
11.0 Concluding remarks .............................................................................................................................................. 28
About us ........................................................................................................................................................................ 28
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1.0 Greece at a glance
Hellenic Republic –
.
Facts & figures
Population: 11.2 million
Capital: Athens
Accession to the EU: 1981
Member of the Eurozone: Yes
Member of the Schengen Zone: Yes
Previous EU Presidencies: 1983, 1988, 1994, 2003
High-ranking Greeks in the EU institutions
Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries:
Maria Damanaki
Director-General of DG DEVCO: Fokion Fotiadis
Vice-President of the European Parliament:
Georgios Papanikolaou
Vice-President of the Parliament: Anni Podimata
Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Industry, Research
and Energy Committee: Dimitrios Droutsas
Vice-Chair of the Europe of Freedom and Democracy Group:
Niki Tzavela
President of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic
Communications: Leonidas Kanellos
Further details of Greek Government Ministers, MEPs and Commission officials are available to our Premium clients.
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2.0 Greece at the helm From January to June 2014, Greece will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU. This is the 5th time that Greece has
had such an opportunity, but this is likely to prove to be one of its most challenging Presidencies. In addition to domestic pressure
arising from both economic and political instability, Greece will only have a short amount of time to obtain political agreement on
key dossiers before the European elections in May 2014. While Greece has much to offer to the EU during its Presidency, one
cannot ignore the economic situation in which Greece finds itself, which, although now somewhat stabilised, may distract from the
work of the Presidency.
2.1 Greece’s economic situation
Greece’s economy shrank again in 2013, its sixth consecutive annual economic contraction. While some have argued the economy
is approaching some form of stability, unemployment still stands at 27.3% - the highest in the EU. Athens has received two bail-out
loans from its Eurozone partners totalling more than €200 billion to keep the country solvent, in return for what the the “Troika” of
the European Commission, European Central Bank (ECB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have called “difficult
adjustment and reform policies”. These policies, which include reducing the wages and size of the public sector workforce, are
intended to restore fiscal sustainability, and the Troika predicts that they will return the country to economic growth in 2014.
Despite these reforms however, Greece continues to lag behind most EU Member States as it prepares for a potential third bail-out
loan this year. The reforms have also led to a rapidly deteriorating political situation, with fiscal adjustments, high unemployment
and layoffs in the public sector sparking a social backlash, manifested by numerous demonstrations and riots.
With its fragile economy and continued reliance on its bail-out loans, Greece is expected to finance its Presidency with a limited
budget of €50 million. In the context of these limited resources, Greek officials have signalled the need to make tough decisions
with regards to their adopted priorities. The government has vowed to employ no more than 130 staff to run its Presidency, which
is in contrast to other recent Presidencies, some of which have employed up to 250 officials.
2.2 Greece’s domestic politics
Greece formed a coalition government in June 2012 following a snap election, after a
previous vote in May proved inconclusive. The parties New Democracy, Pasok and the
Democratic Left formed a government, with all three in support of austerity measures. In
June 2013, the Democratic Left pulled out of the coalition, forcing Prime Minister and
New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras to reshuffle the government in order to avoid a
another round of elections. This has left New Democracy and Pasok with a fragile three-
seat majority in Parliament.
The responsibility for the success of Greece’s Presidency therefore lies with Prime
Minister Antonis Samaras. In negotiations with the EU over the implementation of the
economic reform as part of Greece’s bailout packages, Mr Samaras has demonstrated a
willingness to appease his European partners, including the European Commission, and
has been willing to implement austerity measures despite widespread domestic
opposition. In contrast, President Karolos Papoulias, who has a ceremonial post in
Greek political life but enjoys a great degree of respect, recently insisted that the Greek
people could not withstand any further austerity measures.
The fragile majority of Greece’s current government is not the only sign of political
instability. The far-right Golden Dawn party, described by many as a fascist organisation, entered the Hellenic Parliament for the
first time in 21 years in the 2012 elections. The party advocates withdrawal from the European Union and expulsion of immigrants,
but in late 2013 slumped in the polls after one of its members was linked to the murder of a left-wing activist.
In addition, Greece’s foreign policy is marked by its poor relations with both Turkey and Macedonia, the latter because of a dispute
over the country’s name – “Macedonia” also being a province in northern Greece. Greco-Turkish relations have been icy since the
Turkish invasion of Northern Cyprus in the 1970s, and Greece continues to maintain a military apparatus larger than would be
Greeks & the EU
1981: EU accession Greece joined without a referendum
44% of Greeks feel themselves to be citizens of the EU. 81% of Greeks regard the situation of the European economy as “very bad”. 60% of Greeks favour membership of the European economic and monetary union with one single currency, the Euro. Only 21% of Greeks are satisfied with the way in which democracy works in the EU.
Source: Eurobarometer
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expected for a country of its size in a continued stand-off with Ankara. Although both Macedonia and Turkey are candidates for EU
membership, Athens is unlikely to accept their eventual accession until its relations with both countries are normalised.
2.3 Reduced Presidency timeframe
As President of the Council, the Greek Government will be responsible for finding common positions between the EU Member
States on pending legislative proposals tabled by the European Commission. In addition, it must also lead negotiations with the
European Parliament on the final legal texts of key files, such as the Banking Union, the Data Protection Regulation and protection
of migrant workers.
Unlike previous Greek Presidencies, this time around Greece will face the additional challenge of having a shortened timetable in
which to adopt key legislation. As the next elections to the European Parliament will take place in May, the Parliament will be
dissolved in mid-April. This will essentially reduce the time for negotiations with MEPs from the usual six to only three-and-a-half
months. Its conservative agenda suggests that Greece has already anticipated this challenge however. It remains to be seen
whether Greece will be able to achieve agreement on these key dossiers, and it is likely that a large number of pending legislative
files will have to be carried over into the second half of 2014.
More details on Greece’s main challenges during its Presidency can be found here.
2.4 Greece and the EU
Greece joined the European Community in 1981. It previously enjoyed an Association Agreement with the Community, which was
frozen from 1967 to 1974 during the rule of the Greek military junta. Following the restoration of democratic government it applied
and was accepted for Community membership, although the early 1980s was marked by doubts regarding the country’s
commitment to European integration. In1982, Greece even went as far to request divergence from certain community policies.
Support for a more federal model of European integration has grown since then however, as the benefits of joint policy and free
movement have become more apparent, although the imposition of austerity measures in return for the bail-out loans following
the economic crisis in 2008 has resulted in a decrease in trust in the EU in many quarters.
Since the mid-1980s, Greece’s role in Europe has been characterised by a number of achievements, in particular:
The 10 Member State accessions in 2004 that occurred during its fourth Presidency, including that of key ally Cyprus;
Fulfilling the “convergence criteria” of the Economic and Monetary Union set out by the Maastricht Treaty;
Greek’s own participation as a full member in the single currency since 2002.
In terms of the EU budget, Greece was a net recipient of funding between 1981 and 2010, receiving inflows amounting to €90
billion. This funding has enabled the implementation of several national infrastructure projects and provided welcome investment
to the country.
More recently, the Greek Government has stated that it considers the European Union to be the institutional framework within
which it can achieve stability, at home and abroad, in particular with regard to its relationship with Turkey. However, given the
unpopularity of recent austerity measures, the Presidency is expected to try to maximise more direct, tangible benefits for Greece
such as the completion of the banking union and securing EU funding for infrastructure projects.
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3.0 Role of the Presidency
The Council of the European Union represents the 28 national governments of the EU, and is – together with the European
Parliament – the legislating body of the EU. It is headed by a Presidency, which rotates between the Member States on a six-
monthly basis. In addition to managing the day-to-day work of the Council, the Presidency also assumes the role of brokering
political agreement between the Member States. As such, it will be responsible for obtaining agreement within the Council on
pending procedures, while promoting its own priorities and values. As first among equals, the Presidency is expected to carry out
its tasks as an organiser, broker and political leader with full impartiality.
3.1 Historical background
The rotating Presidency of the Council was established with the foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1951.
Since then, the tasks of the Presidency have expanded from simply chairing meetings to brokering agreements and compromises
between EU Member States and responding to new political challenges. The Presidency chairs nine of the ten Council
configurations, with the Foreign Affairs Council being chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Continuity is ensured between the six-month Presidencies through the system of trio Presidencies. This means that while
Presidencies can work towards their own individual priorities, the Member States of three consecutive Presidencies must also
develop joint programmes. Greece is the third member of its Presidency Trio with Ireland and Lithuania.
3.2 Chairing meetings and setting the agenda
The Presidency is responsible for managing the day-to-day tasks of the Council, long-term planning and obtaining agreement on
procedures within the Council. In its managerial role, the Presidency will convene and chair meetings, and draft agendas for all
levels of the Council, bar certain Committees and those relating to foreign affairs. Greek officials will therefore chair and plan the
meetings of national Ministers in the Council, of the Council working parties, where most of the inter-governmental debate on
procedures takes place, and of COREPER, the weekly session of EU representatives which decides the priorities of Council meetings.
3.3 Political leader
The Presidency, in coordination with the other EU institutions, sets out the Council’s agenda for the next six months, which involves
deciding which legislation will be discussed. In this way, it has the power to advance, or hinder, the adoption of different
procedures. It is also able to propose new Working Parties and convene meetings of the “Friends of the Presidency” to deal with ad
hoc issues.
3.4 Brokering agreement
As a broker between the Member States, the Presidency needs to take their different positions into account, and identify possible
compromises or bargains which can be struck. It also represents the Council in negotiations (called “trilogues”) with the European
Parliament. Trilogues are particularly important in order to gain the consent of MEPs for new EU legislation.
The Presidency has several assets to enable it to achieve these tasks; these include:
Its ability to set the agenda, and therefore define the prioritisation at all levels of the Council
Its privileged access to information - both in the Commission on the release of new initiatives, and from its direct
relations with other Member States
The support and advice it receives from the General Secretariat of the Council
With the elections to the European Parliament in May, the Council will need to make use of these assets if it is to be successful in
concluding its priority proposals before the end of the parliamentary term.
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4.0 Priorities of the Presidency
Overview of Greece’s Priorities for its Presidency
I. To balance fiscal consolidation with the implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs
II. Deeping the integration of the European Monetary Union (EMU)
III. Management of migration from the EU’s external borders
IV. Redefining and restarting all aspects of EU maritime policy
4.1 Domestic concerns through a European lens
The Greek Presidency will be responsible for promoting the needs of the whole of Europe in the Council. However, the Presidency
is also an opportunity for Greece to put forward its national interests and have these reflected in European policy.
The Greek Presidency has defined its aims as follows: “to respond to the challenge of the economic crisis, to safeguard the common
currency by deepening and reinforcing the European Monetary Union (EMU), while promoting direct policies tackling recession and
unemployment.” In addition to which, it will pursue its national agenda on migration in the context of the EU’s Global Approach to
Migration, and on marine and maritime policy.
4.2 Jobs and growth
Greece’s economy shrank by 3% in the third quarter of 2013, the smallest such decline in around three years. However, this has
widely been accredited to the temporary benefits of the tourist industry. The unemployment rate in Greece remains at 27.3% and
there is little reason as to why this should change in the coming months. It is a situation that resonates across Europe, although the
jobless rate in Greece is twice that of the Eurozone’s, which stands at 12.2%.
It comes as no surprise therefore that Greece is advocating better investment to tackle unemployment and address the social
consequences of the crisis. One example includes the use of the European Social Fund to finance temporary recruitment subsidies,
particularly as a means to find employment for young people.
Greece is currently in negotiations with bailout leaders to try to avoid new austerity measures being imposed on the country,
arguing that these would threaten the economy’s emergence from six years of contraction. This is perhaps the reason that Greece’s
main economic objective is to balance the timetable of fiscal consolidation with the implementation of a realistic Compact for
Growth and Jobs and extensive European investment programme, which it will model on the EU cohesion policy.
4.3 Further integration of the Eurozone
When Greece became a member of the Eurozone in 2001, public spending and government borrowing soared, meaning that the
country could not pay its debts when the global financial crisis took place. Despite this, it is considered very unlikely that Greece
will leave the Eurozone.
In such a context, the Greek Presidency will reform the architecture of the European Monetary Union to safeguard the stability of
the Euro and advance the coordination of Member States' fiscal and economic policies. It is also promoting the banking union,
centralising key competences and resources for managing the failure of any bank in the Eurozone, and supporting general
principles for the reinforced budgetary and economic governance mechanisms.
The Greek Presidency will look to enhance the extant synergies between Member States in this area. It also aims to enhance the
transparency, accountability and representation of any financial governance structure in recognition of the EMU’s social dimension.
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4.4 Comprehensive migration management
Migration and asylum are salient issues in Greek politics, with the country’s location making it the most affected area by any influx
of foreign migrants. Greek ministers have long argued for the effective organisation of legal migration and facilitated mobility, and
strengthening the synergies between migration and development. The Greek Government has implemented national policies to
this effect, for example, by sealing its land border with Turkey.
The Greek Presidency will pursue its national agenda in the context of the EU’s Global Approach to Migration which attends to the
external dimensions of asylum. This includes dialogue with countries throughout the world, to tackle the source of illegal
immigration in the framework of the Prague and Budapest Processes.
Greece’s own patrols have come under public censure amid accusations of the illegal expulsion of migrants. ProAsyl, a
nongovernmental organisation, reported that people seeking protection in Europe were being systematically and brutally
prevented from entering Greek territory. The Greek Presidency promises to tackle human rights issues, and other problems arising
from illegal migration in areas of social-political cohesion and the economy.
4.5 Marine and maritime policy
While maritime policy is of special interest to Greece, it has also been argued that a comprehensive supranational policy in the
context of the Multiannual Financial Framework would have benefits for the EU economy as a whole. In the freight market, the
Greek shipping sector has undergone important cyclical as well as structural changes in recent years and its prominent position in
this area depends largely on exploiting the development of south-east Europe.
The Greek Presidency will be committed to the goals outlined by the Limassol declaration, including an agenda for growth and jobs
that will be a common theme of the Greek programme. In addition to which, the Presidency will address the security problems of
sea border management with the EU’s Frontex assuming responsibility for much of the country’s endeavour to patrol its territorial
waters and combat illegal immigration. Harmonisations and delegations to the European level of this type are set to be typical of its
agenda in this area.
Lastly, a major focus in this area will be the environment: creating a strategy to alleviate the effects of climate change in coastal
regions and calling on European institutions to support the development of maritime activities in the context of the blue-economy
prerogative.
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5.0 Challenges for the Presidency
Greece will face several unique challenges during its Presidency. These consist of a shorter time frame in which to deliver on its
priorities, a volatile economic and political situation domestically, and pressure not to overspend its reduced budget.
5.1 Race against the clock
Greece’s main challenge stems from the fact that the current mandate of the European Parliament will end in April 2014, leading
to European elections between the 22 and 25 May. Without a sitting Parliament, the Greek Presidency will be unable to obtain the
parliamentary consent needed to adopt legislation. As the month of April will also be dominated by political campaigning, this will,
in effect, shorten the window for adopting EU legislation from six to three months. During this time Greece will be under pressure
to deliver on a range of complex and high-profile dossiers.
The pressure of a restricted timetable could limit what Greece is able to achieve in terms of its own priorities. In addition, the
Commission took the unprecedented step during the release of its Work Programme for 2014 to list on-going legislation which it
believed deserved special attention in the run up to European elections. The Commission will therefore expect the Greek
Presidency to work hard to secure the adoption of these initiatives.
Considering the short timetable, and the fact that over 250 dossiers have yet to be adopted, the Greek Government has been
conservative in its aims. However, finding agreement on these dossiers will be difficult. Some proposals are yet to be adopted by
the Council whilst also considered to be controversial by certain Member States, so agreement is unlikely to be forthcoming.
5.2 Economic and political instability
In addition to a tight political agenda, the Greek Presidency may be affected by the unstable situation domestically. The situation in
Greece is proving to be unstable both economically and politically. Disagreements are on-going between the Troika and the Greek
government regarding the means of dealing with the Greek debt crisis and the €2.9 billion gap in the budget for 2014. This situation
could spill over into political instability as it threatens to divide Greece’s ruling party Nea Dimokratia.
Largely due to the collapse in Greek living standards following 6 years of recession, the political landscape in Greece has become
sharply polarised to the left and right. This division has led to instability in the Greek Parliament, with Prime Minister Samaras only
narrowly avoiding a vote of no confidence in November, which was called by the party of the radical left, Syriza, in reaction to the
government’s austerity policies. In a sign of growing despair with mainstream politics in Greece, the far-right political group,
Golden Dawn, gained 7% of the vote during the 2012 Greek Parliamentary elections. Several members of the party have since been
arrested as part of an investigation into accusations of its involvement in violent attacks and crime.
This volatile political climate could undermine the work of the Presidency, which will be as concerned with obtaining agreement among Council members as it will with maintaining its reputation on the world stage.
5.3 A Spartan Presidency
Following years of recession and with unemployment nearing 30%, Greece faces an immensely challenging domestic situation. The
Greek domestic budget adopted on 10 December foresaw a 0.6% growth rate for 2014 and sets out €5.6 billion in spending cuts
and projected tax revenue. The impact that this will have on Greece’s Presidency of the EU is already apparent. In October, Greece
announced that it would allocate only €50 million for the Presidency budget during its tenure, a substantial reduction from its
predecessors who have spent between €60 and €80 million. Only 130 Greek public officials will support the work of the Council,
compared to 250 during the Lithuanian Presidency. The lack of resources is expected to place considerable strain on a Presidency
which will already be hard pressed to close its pending legislation.
Even if the Spartan budget does not impact the work of the Presidency itself, it will affect the agenda. The number of ministerial
meetings has been limited to no more than 13, and all meetings in Greece will be hosted in the capital as opposed to regional cities.
There are also fears that visiting officials may receive a hostile welcome due to public outrage in Greece against austerity measures
enforced by the Troika. A cooperation meeting between the Greek and German Foreign Ministries was recently disrupted by anti-
austerity protests, and European ministerial meetings in Greece may suffer similar difficulties.
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6.0 Work of the Council Presidency by policy area
During its mandate, the Greek Presidency will work on a wide range of dossiers, both those inherited from the Lithuanian
Presidency and those newly tabled by the Commission.
This section provides a detailed overview of the Presidency’s work by Council and specific policy area. Details are provided
regarding pending legislation to be adopted, proposals expected to be tabled by the Commission, and the interests of the
Presidency in each sector:
Council Policy areas
Agriculture and Fisheries Agriculture – Animal Welfare – Fisheries – Maritime Affairs
Competitiveness Enterprise & Industry – Intellectual Property – Research – Single Market
Economic and Financial Affairs Economic Affairs – Financial Services – Taxation
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Culture – Education – Sport
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers Consumers – Employment – Health – Social Affairs
Environment Climate Change - Environment
Foreign Affairs Development – Foreign Affairs & Neighbourhood Policy - Humanitarian Aid – Trade
General Affairs Budget – Enlargement – Institutional Affairs - Regional Policy
Justice and Home Affairs Justice – Home Affairs
Transport, Telecommunications & Energy Digital Agenda – Energy – Telecommunications – Transport
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Council: Agriculture and Fisheries
Subject areas: Agriculture – Animal Welfare – Fisheries & Maritime Affairs
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Agriculture
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Information and promotional measures for agricultural
products Guidelines for state aid for agriculture and forestry
Presidency Outlook
With the final signature of the 2011 CAP Reform Package at the end of 2013, the Greek Presidency will be left to secure agreement
on less high-profile agricultural dossiers. The most important proposal currently pending concerns information and promotion
measures for EU agricultural products at home and abroad.
Animal Welfare
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Food chain package: animal health
Regulation on cloning of animals for food
Proposal on veterinary medicine
Presidency Outlook
In the area of animal health, Greece will need to work to secure adoption of the Regulations of the food chain package concerning
animal health, which aims to simplify existing animal health legislation and to modernise the financial provisions for food and feed
expenditure for 2014 to 2020. It will also work on new Commission initiatives on animal cloning and veterinary medicine.
Fisheries & Maritime Affairs
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Maritime spatial planning and coastal management
Long-term plan for cod stocks and the fisheries
Regulation on measures applicable to certain stocks
on highly migratory fish
Presidency Outlook
Following on from the work of the Lithuanian Presidency, Greece will continue to work to adopt the proposals on multiannual
plans which are crucial to the successful implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. However, as Lithuanian Ambassador
Vinciunas has warned, “there is still a lot of work to do with multispecies and mixed fisheries plans”, meaning that Greece will find
it difficult to secure agreement before the end of the mandate.
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Council: Competitiveness
Subject areas: Enterprise & Industry – Intellectual Property – Research – Single Market
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Enterprise & Industry
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Sound level of motor vehicles Regulation
State aid modernisation package
Review of the internal market legislation for
industrial products
Presidency Outlook
The Commission is expected to release a number of new legislative initiatives in the field of enterprise and industry during the
Greek Presidency, including a long-expected review for industrial products proposal and a new package setting out additional
components of the State aid Modernisation strategy. Greece will also oversee formal adoption of the new Regulation on the
sound level of motor vehicles which lays down revised EU requirements for the noise levels of motor vehicles.
Intellectual Property
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Trade marks package
Implementation of the unitary patent package
Directive on protection of trade secrets
Review of the copyright acquis
Presidency Outlook
The major legislative effort in this area concerns the Trade Marks Package, on which the Greek Presidency is expected to begin
negotiations with the European Parliament. The start of the Presidency also coincides with the entry into force of the new EU
Patent Court in London, Munich and Paris.
Research
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
EU participation: R&D programme supporting research SMEs Implementation and management of the Horizon
2020 Participants Guarantee Fund (PGF)
Presidency Outlook
Following the adoption and launch of Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and development programme for 2014-2020, there is not
much pending files that remains to be adopted. The Commission is not expected to table any legislative proposals in the area.
Single Market
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Disclosure of non-financial information by large companies Unfair trading practices in the business-to-
business supply chain
Presidency Outlook
Whilst the Presidency is expected to oversee final work in a bid to complete a proposal on disclosure of non-financial information
by large companies, Greece is also likely to receive some new legislative dossiers from the Commission in this sector, such as on
unfair trading practices in the business-to-business supply chain.
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Council: Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN)
Subject areas: Economic Affairs – Financial Services - Taxation
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Economic Affairs
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Financial assistance facility for non-Eurozone EU Member
States
Decision on EU participation in the capital
increase of the European Investment Fund
Presidency Outlook
Greece will be responsible for obtaining the adoption of the financial assistance facility for non-Eurozone EU Member States.
Overall, Greece has announced to prioritise agreement on further budgetary and economic integration.
Financial Services
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Markets in financial instruments package
Single Resolution Mechanism on the banking union
Multilateral interchange fees Regulation, PSD2
Framework for crisis management and resolution
for financial institutions other than banks
Supply of capital to long-term investment
Review of the IORP Directive
Presidency Outlook
Greece has highlighted the promotion of the banking union as one of its key priorities for its term. It is therefore expected to
achieve agreement on the Single Resolution Mechanism and Markets in Financial Instruments package as part of its ambition to
achieve integrated economic governance throughout the Eurozone. Other on-going key procedures such as the payment services
Directive (PSD2) and multilateral interchange fees Regulation require further work towards adoption in the Council. A number of
long-awaited proposal, including on crisis management and resolution for financial institutions other than banks and the review of
the instructional and occupational pensions (IORP) Directive, are expected to be tabled in the first quarter of 2014.
Taxation
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Financial transaction tax for 11 EU countries
Energy taxation Directive
Standard VAT declaration
Double taxation dispute resolution
Presidency Outlook
The area of taxation at the level of the EU remains a controversial issue, particularly for Member States such as the UK, Denmark
and Sweden which have opposed the introduction of a financial transaction tax. Progress has been slow on a number of pending
legislative proposals in this area, but there will be pressure to deliver on several of them under this Presidency.
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Council: Education, Youth, Culture and Sport
Subject areas: Culture – Education - Sport
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers -
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Culture
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Return of cultural goods unlawfully removed
Establishing a Union action for the European capitals of
culture for the years 2020 to 2033
None
Presidency Outlook
Greece will continue work on adopting the proposals on establishing an EU action for the European capitals of culture for the
years 2020 to 2033 and the proposal on the return of cultural goods unlawfully removed from EU Member States.
Education
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Erasmus Programme 2014-2020 Report on the implementation of the framework for
lifelong learning
Report on the European quality assurance
framework for vocational education and training
Presidency Outlook
The EU has a limited competence in the education sector, and with the adoption of the Erasmus Programme for 2014-2020, their
remains little for Greece to achieve in terms of education policy at the EU level.
Sport
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Erasmus Programme 2014-2020 None
Presidency Outlook
Much like education policy, sport issues are primarily a competence for the Member States. There are no planned major initiatives
in this area.
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Council: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers (EPSCO)
Subject areas: Consumer Affairs – Employment – Health – Social Affairs
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers -
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Consumer Affairs
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Consumer product safety and market surveillance Misleading advertising Directive
Presidency Outlook
In the field of consumer affairs, the Presidency will need to obtain agreement on the Product Safety Directive replacing obligations
on economic operators and contain provisions for the development of standards in support of the general safety requirement.
Employment
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Proposal for a Directive on the posting of workers
Decision on the cooperation of public employment Services
Youth guarantee schemes
Consolidation of three Directives on information and
consultation of workers
Decision on the establishment of a platform for
undeclared work
Presidency Outlook
The Greek Presidency is expected to focus on speeding up the implementation of actions relating to the “Initiative for the youth”
and monitoring the implementation of national projects relating to the youth guarantee. It will also work on finalising negotiations
with the Parliament on the proposal for a Directive on the posting of workers, the establishment of a quality framework for
internships, the proposal for a Regulation on the enhancement and renewal of EURES and the Decision on the cooperation of
public employment services.
Health
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Revision of the tobacco products Directive
Clinical trials Regulation
Medical devices Regulations
Report on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare
Presidency Outlook
Greek priorities include the progress of on-going legislative proposals such as medical devices, tobacco products, clinical trials,
pharmacovigilance fees and the transparency Directive. Non-legislative priorities will include the economic crisis and its impact on
healthcare and health systems, migration and public health, nutrition and physical activity, eHealth and health innovation.
Social Affairs
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Directive on improving the gender balance among board-
members
Equal treatment Directive
European Accessibility Act
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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Decision on a tripartite social summit for growth and
employment
Presidency Outlook
In terms of social policy, the Presidency has said it will aim to promote sustainable social protection systems in order to address
challenges such as the aging population, unemployment, undeclared work and poverty.
The Greek Ministry of Labour has voiced its desire to adopt the Council proposal on European platform for social dialogue, the
Tripartite Social Summit, in order to encourage the involvement of social partners. It also hopes to discuss the integration of the
Social Dimension in the European Employment Strategy at the EPSCO Council in April.
Separately, the European Commission is expected to unveil in the first half of 2014 its proposal for a European Accessibility Act.
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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Council: Environment (ENVI)
Subject areas: Climate Change - Environment
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Climate Change
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Emissions from aviation
Emissions from maritime transport
First Quarter 2014:
2030 targets for Energy and Climate Change
Presidency Outlook
In the field of climate change, Greece has said that its priorities will include reaching at an agreement with the European
Parliament on the proposal on aviation backloading and the proposal on waste transport. It will also promote and consider the
issues arising from the “Energy-Climate in the framework of 2030" package, which is expected to be discussed in the European
Council in late March 2014. Other priorities will include "the energy cost of industry, the protection of vulnerable consumers,
energy security and energy-saving”.
Environment
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Environmental Impact Assessments
Illegal Waste Shipments
Alien invasive species
First Quarter 2014:
Revision of the Environmental Liability Directive
Presidency Outlook
The Presidency will be keen to promote environmental actions that offer opportunities for investment and employment, in
addition to promoting the horizontal greening of all actions and sectors. Such actions include the protection of European
biodiversity, 'blue' development and maritime spatial planning [under fisheries policy].
Particular priorities include the proposal for alien invasive species, while efforts will also be made to advance the proposals on
the ratification of the second period of the Kyoto Protocol, the package of proposals on air quality, and the proposal on plastic
bags.
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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Council: Foreign Affairs (FAC)
Subject areas: Development – Foreign Affairs & Neighbourhood Policy – Humanitarian Aid - Trade
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Development
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
The European Year for Development (2015) Communication on follow-up towards the post-2015
development framework
Communication on strengthening the Role of the
Private Sector in Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable
Growth in Developing Countries
Presidency Outlook
Adoption of the EU external action package is expected by the end of the year, which would leave Greece with little to work on in
terms of development and foreign affairs policy. Greece will however continue negotiations in the Council on developing an EU
position on the post-2015 development framework, which will be crucial for shaping the successor to the Millennium
Development Goals.
Foreign Affairs & Neighbourhood Policy
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Agreement
European Neighbourhood Instrument 2014-2020
Regulation on the trade in goods used for capital
punishment and torture
Presidency Outlook
Greece will also preside over the introduction of a visa-free regime for Moldova and the signing of a visa facilitation agreement
with Azerbaijan, and is expected to encourage engagement with the Arab world, with a Presidency summit organised in May to
discuss “fortifying political, business and investment ties” between Europe and the Arab world.
Humanitarian Aid
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps
Decision on borrowing of the EC for providing macro
financial assistance to third countries
Presidency Outlook
Greece will work to achieve formal adoption of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and will continue negotiations within the
Council on the proposal on EU Aid Volunteers, which will provide EU funding for NGOs to train up to 10,000 volunteers in
humanitarian work from 2014-2020.
Trade
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Trade Defence: Anti-Dumping Regulation
Enforcement of international trade rules
EU position on WTO accession of Bosnia and
Herzegovina
EU position on WTO accession of Serbia
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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Presidency Outlook
A key priority for Greece will be the on-going negotiations on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which its
proponents have said will boost the size of the EU economy by approximately €120 billion.
The Presidency will also continue negotiations on the enforcement framework for international trade rules and the proposed
Regulation to reform the EU’s trade defence instruments.
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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Council: General Affairs (GAC)
Subject areas: Budget – Enlargement – Institutional Affairs – Regional Policy
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Budget
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Financing of European Political Parties None
Presidency Outlook
With agreement reached between the Parliament and the Council on the EU’s expenditure ceilings for 2014-2020, following more
than two years of inter-institutional negotiations, the Greek Presidency will be tasked with finalising the negotiations on the
remaining budgetary procedures such as the proposal on the financing of European political parties.
Enlargement
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II) Commission Delegated Regulation setting out the
detailed implementing rules for IPA II
Presidency Outlook
Much has been made of Greece's apparent decision to drop enlargement from its list of priorities, having previously stated that it
was a priority issue. But during its Presidency, Greece is expected to implement the EU enlargement strategy in the Western
Balkans region, in particular to advance negotiations with Montenegro and Serbia.
Institutional Affairs
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Statute and funding of European political parties None
Presidency Outlook
Greece will continue to work towards the adoption of the proposal on statute and funding of European political parties which aims
to increase the visibility, recognition, effectiveness, transparency and accountability of European political parties and foundations.
Regional Policy
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Cohesion Policy Package None
Presidency Outlook
Following the agreement reached between the Council and Parliament on the Multiannual Financial Framework, the financial
envelope for cohesion funding has been decided. It will remain the task of the Greeks to oversee formal adoption of the package.
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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Council: Justice and Home Affairs (JHA)
Subject areas: Justice – Home Affairs
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Justice
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Data protection Regulation
Establishing a public prosecutor's office
European account preservation order
Insolvency Regulation
Legislative proposal for e-Justice
Regulation on EU hotlines for missing children
Presidency Outlook
In addition to outlining a strategy for the post-Stockholm period, another priority of the Greek Presidency will be to make
progress on the reform of data protection rules. The Ministry of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights has also expressed a
desire to reach a final agreement on the revision of the Insolvency Regulation.
Reaching a first reading agreement on the Regulation creating a European Account Preservation Order (EAPO) is also a top
priority, as is reaching final agreement on the proposed Directive against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of
criminal law, and adopting the Directive on the protection of the Euro and other currencies against counterfeiting.
Other priorities include the Regulation on the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, combined with the
proposal for a Regulation on the reform of the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation ("Eurojust").
Home Affairs
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Directive on intra-corporate transfers
Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-
country national researchers and students
“Smart borders” package
Communication on countering violent extremism
Communication on future priorities in the area of
justice and home affairs
Presidency Outlook
In terms of on-going legislation, the Presidency will prioritise all dossiers relating to legal migration, in particular it will work to
secure political agreement on the proposal for a Directive on intra-corporate transfers.
In terms of migration, the Greek Presidency has stated that it will attempt to adopt a holistic approach to migration policy. Issues
of particular importance include increasing EU funding to address migration flows and for the return/readmission of third-country
nationals, and to encourage burden-sharing and cooperation among Member States.
It also intends to update the "EU Action Plan on tackling migration pressure – Strategic response" to tackle illegal immigration and
human trafficking, and to implement the Common European Asylum System.
The Presidency also aims to advance discussions on the proposal for a Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-
country national researchers, students, pupils, remunerated and unremunerated trainees, volunteers and au pairs.
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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Council: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (TTE)
Subject areas: Digital Agenda – Energy – Telecommunications - Transport
Competitiveness - Economic and Financial Affairs - Education, Youth, Culture and Sport - Employment, Social Policy, Health & Consumers
Environment - Foreign Affairs - General Affairs - Justice and Home Affairs - Transport, Telecommunications and Energy
Digital Agenda
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Network and information security
Regulation on electronic identification and trust services
Accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites
Recommendation on specific aspects of
transparency, traffic management and switching in
an open internet Recommendation on the
governance of the internet of things
Presidency Outlook
Greece has confirmed that its priority in this field is the proposal on the Regulation on electronic identification and trust services.
Other files such as the Directive on the accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites will also be part of the work programme.
Energy
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure
ILUC Directive
Repeal of Community targets for a reduction in the
consumption of primary sources of energy in the
event of difficulties in the supply of crude oil and
petroleum products
Unconventional hydrocarbon extraction (shale gas)
Presidency Outlook
In the first months of the Presidency, agreement will be sought with the Parliament on the Directive on the deployment of
alternative fuels infrastructure. Greece will also continue work to secure agreement on the ILUC Directive, after a compromise of
a 7% threshold for conventional biofuels was rejected by energy ministers during their meeting in December 2013.
Telecommunications
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Reducing the costs of broadband deployment
Laying down measures to achieve a Connected Continent
Council Decision on the EU's role within the
International Telecommunications Union
Presidency Outlook
Greece has announced that it intends to produce a Presidency text on a Directive on reducing the costs of broadband
deployment at the beginning of its term in office. Progress will also be made on the proposal on network and information
security and the proposal laying down measures to achieve a Connected Continent.
Transport
Key pending legislative proposals Key upcoming policy initiatives
Air Passenger Rights Regulation
Type-approval requirements for eCall in-vehicle system
Marine Equipment Directive
e-Freight package
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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Presidency Outlook
In terms of transport policy, Greece will devote particular attention to the competitiveness of European shipping and will aim to
facilitate maritime traffic within the EU single market. As such, the Greek Presidency is expected to assign particular importance
to concluding an agreement with the Parliament on the Marine Equipment Directive. Progress will also be sought within the
Council on the draft Regulation establishing a framework on market access to port services and financial transparency of ports.
In addition, the Greek Presidency has outlined its intention to work on the Airport Package, while agreement will be sought
within the Council on a proposal on the deployment of the interoperable EU-wide eCall.
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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7.0 Greek Presidency Council Meeting Dates
January February March April May June
20: FAC 10: FAC 3: ENVI 1-2: Informal ECOFIN 5: Eurogroup 5: TTE (Transport)
21: GAC 11: GAC 4: TTE (Energy) 4 - 5: Informal FAC 5 - 6: Informal
AGRIFISH 5 - 6: JHA
23 - 24: Informal JHA 13 -14:
European Council 6 - 7: JHA 14: GAC 6: ECOFIN 6: TTE (Telecoms)
27: Eurogroup 17: Eurogroup 10: EPSCO 14: FAC 7: Informal TTE
(Maritime) 12: TTE (Energy)
28: ECOFIN 17 - 18:
AGRIFISH 10: Eurogroup
14 - 15:
AGRIFISH 8: FAC (Trade) 13: ENVI
18: ECOFIN 11: ECOFIN 15: FAC (Defence) 8: TTE (Transport) 16 - 17: AGRIFISH
20 - 21: Informal FAC (Defence)
14: TTE (Transport) 24 - 25: Informal GAC
(Cohesion) 12: FAC 19: EPSCO
20 -21: COMPET 17: FAC
28 - 30: Informal EPSCO
12: FAC (Development)
19: Eurogroup
24: EYCS 18: GAC
12 - 13:
Informal COMPET 20: ECOFIN
28: Informal FAC (Trade)
20 – 21:
European Council 13: GAC 23: FAC
24 -25: AGRIFISH
14 - 15:
Informal ENVI 24: GAC
15 - 16: Informal TTE (Energy)
27: European Council
19 - 20: AGRIFISH
20 - 21: EYCS
26 - 27: COMPET
Legend
AGRIFISH Agriculture & Fisheries EYCS Education, Youth, Culture & Sport
COMPET Competitiveness FAC Foreign Affairs
ECOFIN Economic & Financial Affairs GAC General Affairs
ENVI Environment JHA Justice & Home Affairs
EPSCO Employment, Health, Social Affairs & Consumers TTE Transport, Telecoms & Energy
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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8.0 Upcoming Council Presidencies The Presidency of the Council rotates among the EU’s Member States on a six-monthly basis. Below is the current rotation order
until 2020.
Year Semester Member State Presidency trios
2013
January to June Ireland
Presidency trio July to December Lithuania
2014
January to June Greece
July to December Italy
Presidency trio
2015
January to June Latvia
July to December Luxembourg
2016
January to June The Netherlands
Presidency trio July to December Slovakia
2017
January to June Malta
July to December United Kingdom
Presidency trio
2018
January to June Estonia
July to December Bulgaria
2019
January to June Austria
Presidency trio July to December Romania
2020 January to June Finland
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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9.0 Key Presidency events
In addition to chairing formal meeting of the Council of the EU, Greece will also host a range of other topical conferences. A list of
selected key events is provided below.
Policy area Date Key events
Aviation 9 April ''Use of RPAS Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems for Surveillance in the Framework of CSDP'' Conference
Competition 10 April European Competition DAY event
Consumer Affairs 17 March “Getting Consumers Digital” Conference
Culture
20 February “Financing Creativity” event
6 March “Heritage First” event
10 March European Youth Conference
Digital Agenda 6 March "Cyber Space" Conference
Education 26 March Conference on Vocational Training
19 May U-Multirank Conference
Enterprise & Industry 7 April Conference on Small and Medium Size Businesses
9 April Industrial Technologies event
Food 25 February Nutrition and Physical Activity Conference
4 June Meeting of Heads of European Food Safety Agencies
Foreign Affairs 2 April 4th EU-AFRICA Summit
Health 19 June Conference on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Challenges and Opportunities in the Time of Economic Crisis
Home Affairs 21 January Workshop: Enhance the European disaster response capacity: multinational modules
2 June CEPOL Conference on combating illegal immigration
Institutional
8 January Opening Ceremony
11 April “Archimedes” Conference
11 June Meeting and conference of members of the Document Lifecycle Management (DLM) forum
30 June Closing Ceremony
Intellectual Property 6 June Intellectual Property and Digital Agenda in Europe
18 June Conference on Trade Marks and Measures against Counterfeiting
Justice
12 March Civil Justice Conference
3 April Criminal Justice Conference
4 April Women’s Fundamental Rights Conference
Maritime Affairs 6 February Conference on the EU Strategy for the Adriatic Ionian Region
14 March High Level Conference on Maritime and Coastal Tourism
Regional Policy 7 March 6th European Summit of Regions and Cities
Telecommunications 3 February Conference on Broadband Internet Infrastructure
14 April Conference on Audiovisual Affairs "Protection of minors in the digital era"
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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10.0 Contacts
From January 1
st until June 30
th, Council meetings will be chaired by the relevant Greek Minister. The list below indicates which
Council configuration each Minister will preside over. Premium clients can access a full list of all Greek ministers along with their
biographical and contact details here.
Council Policy area Name Position
European Council - Samaras, Antonis Prime Minister
General Affairs - Venizelos, Evangelos Minister of Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs
Foreign Affairs Venizelos, Evangelos Minister of Foreign Affairs
Defence Avramopoulos, Dimitris Minister of National Defence
Trade Venizelos, Evangelos Minister of Foreign Affairs
Economic & Financial Affairs
- Stournaras, Yiannis Minister of Finance
Justice & Home Affairs
Home Affairs Michelakis, Yannis Minister of the Interior
Justice Athanasiou, Charalambos Minister for Justice, Transparency and
Human Rights
Agriculture & Fisheries Agriculture Tsaftaris, Athanasios
Minister of Rural Development and Food
Fisheries Varvitsiotis, Miltiadis Minister of Shipping and the Aegean
Environment - Maniatis, Giannis Minister of Environment, Energy and
Climate Change
Transport, Telecommunications &
Energy
Energy Maniatis, Giannis Minister of Environment, Energy and
Climate Change
Transport & Telecommunications
Chrisochoidis, Michalis Minister for Infrastructure, Transport
and Networks
Kefalogianni, Olga Minister of Tourism
Competitiveness
Single Market & Industry
Chatzidakis, Kostis Minister of Development and
Competitiveness
Research & Space Chatzidakis, Kostis Minister of Development and
Competitiveness
Employment, Social Affairs, Consumers & Health
Health Georgiades, Adonis Minister for Health
Employment & Social Affairs
Vroutsis, Giannis Minister of Labour, Social Security
and Welfare
Education, Youth, Culture & Sport
Youth, Culture & Sport
Panagiotopoulos, Panos Minister of Culture and Sports
Education Arvanitopoulos, Konstantinos Minister of Education and Religious
Affairs
Greek Council Presidency 2014
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11.0 Concluding remarks The Greek Presidency comes at a challenging time for both Greece and the EU. In order to achieve its priorities in the areas of jobs
and growth, economic integration, and migration and maritime policy, Greece will need to confront several challenges such as its
own political and economic difficulties and a restricted timeframe and budget.
Tools are at its disposal to enable it to forge agreement among Member States on key dossiers, but these significant obstacles are
likely to hinder much of what Greece can achieve.
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