INTERVIEW
OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC
DR KOSTAS KARAMANLIS
TO MR KURT SPECK
FOR THE
HANDELSZEITUNG GREECE SPECIAL
-Next year the Olympic summer games take place in Peking/China. 2004 the mega-event was in Athens. What was the benefit for Greece?
With the Olympic Games of 2004 Greece had a unique opportunity to present its modern face to the world. The profile of a country that respects and honours the heritage of its historic past and dares to move ahead. The Greek people stood up to the challenge and managed to set a new point of reference for future events. The benefits were multidimentional and could be summed up in the following: investments in business ventures, improvements in current infrastructures and construction of new facilities, ever increasing prospects for the development of the tourist industry, further exploitation of the olympic facilities with a view to ameliorating the living standards of the average citizen.
-How important is for Greece the membership in the European Union (EU)?
Our destiny changed for the better. Undoubtedly, we have come a long way towards achieving European standards, but now we are reaping the fruits of our efforts. Security, consensus politics and social convergence conist a framework of success and prosperity.
For Greece, the European Union constitutes our common future with the other the European peoples. History will have much to say about the progress in the course of the last 26 years, since Greece has joined the European institutions. The current status of our country largely coincides with its participation as an equal in European Union. The consolidation of its democratic institutions has been the first priority, mainly during the initial period of its membership after 1981. One should recall that it was not until the fall of the dictatorship in Greece and the decision of the first freely elected government that the substantial and undisturbed road towards its accession in the EU has begun. Furthermore, its accession to the EMU, the increased credibility of its foreign policy, modernization of the state, its high level of economic growth and finally the profound European consciousness of our people, are some of the elements of Greece’s membership in the EU.
-Will next year less money be available for Greece after the east-enlargement of the EU?
It is useful to remember, that Greece has been, from the very beginning, among the member states very much in favor of the recent enlargement, for both political and economic reasons. During the negotiations for the current financial perspectives (2007-2013), Greece has worked very closely with the “new member states” in the context of the “Friends of cohesion” group, in order to better prepare these negotiations. We should be clear about the fact that only the funds linked with the implementation of the EU cohesion policy are distributed to each member state. Thus, the total amount available for each member state largely differs from this initial ‘quota”. Nevertheless, it is true that the agreement we reached on December 2005 was, indeed, more restrictive in terms of level of EU expenditure as a whole, as well as in terms of percentage of the European GNP. Within this context, cohesion has also diminished in the budget, in absolute terms. The fact that several Greek regions have also developed, following the previous cohesion interventions, has led to a slight decrease in terms of funds available for the 4rth Community Support Framework. But this decrease compared to other “old cohesion” member states is not considered unjustified. Last but not least, the benefits of the reunited Europe cannot be measured only in financial terms.
-What is the role of Greece in the eastern Mediterranean area?
Greece has been historically involved in the Middle East. In this region, we have always been a beacon of civilization, a credible and honest partner for dialogue, a contributor to rescue and relief operations. During last year’s war in Lebanon, the first ships to enter the port of Beirut, bringing in humanitarian aid and taking out the fleeing civilians, were vessels of the Greek Navy.
We share many values and maintain close ties with all the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece is a traditional friend of both the Arabs and the Israelis. We do not pursue selfish interests in the area and when we argue in favour of compromise, peace, stability and prosperity, our intentions are contested by no side. In the Middle East, Greece can be instrumental into bringing together nations and societies separated by longstanding enmities.
-How are the bilateral relations with Switzerland?
The bilateral relations between Greece and Switzerland are at a very satisfactory level. There is a very good degree of cooperation between our countries in many areas, including the elaboration of projects of common interest, such as the programs involving joint action in third countries.
I am fully aware of Switzerland’s interest to become a full member of the Schengen Agreement. We believe that such a development would enhance the European Borders Policy. To that end and as far as the Greek side is concerned, the ratification procedure of the Agreement at the Greek Parliament is bound to proceed promptly.
There is, certainly, room for further promoting our bilateral relations, and we look forward to cooperating more closely with the government of Switzerland.
– Swiss investors are interested to buy real estate in Greece. Are you open for this foreign investments or do you favour some limitations (for foreign investments in real estate / land)?
Swiss investors are most welcome to acquire real estate in Greece. There are no limitations in import of capital from Swiss citizens or Swiss legal entities, for real estate acquisition and development . The procedure is fairly simple. In the case of acquisition of real estate in borderline areas, a special permit needs to be issued by the relevant Prefecture.
It should also be mentioned, that significant real estate development initiatives are underway, including initiatives in state owned land in very attractive locations in Greece. Public Tenders for such large tourist development projects are regularly announced through the international press. Special government agencies can also assist all investors in their inquiries and project development in Greece. In particular the Hellenic Center for Investment, should be the first stop of any potential investor interested in any kind of real estate projects in Greece, from integrated resorts and hotels to golf courses and marinas.