Greece expects solidarity from its European neighbours as it continues to struggle through its current economic and social hardships, the prime minister has said.
Speaking in the European Parliament on 15 October, Antonis Samaras said that greater integration and solidarity is needed amongst European Union member states, particularly as many countries are suffering through the crisis unequally, such as Greece.
Samaras said that during the current crisis, there have been “unbelievable sacrifices” made by the Greek people, however, he said that despite that, the majority of the population “believe in solidarity” with their European partners.
He said that “Europe has no choice but to unite” in the face of its current problems.
He said that more integration at an EU level was needed to combat the crisis. “We need more Europe, not less,” he said. “More integration, not less.” He said that initiatives such as a single energy market, a single tax structure and stronger border controls were examples of what was needed from European co-operation. However, he said that integration “does not mean a super bureaucracy.”
Historical and cultural binds, the need to be competitiveness and a sense of solidarity and responsibility were what should lead Europe going forward.
Earlier Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament had made reference to the rise of extremist and populist parties in Europe, such as Golden Dawn in Greece, as potentially making heavy inroads at next years European Parliament elections, saying that disillusionment at with the EU at national level has seen them continue to win many recent elections. Samaras also alluded to the problem briefly, saying, and without naming any particular party of organisation, that the current economic situation has “allowed extremist and populist parties to appear.”
Despite, this, he said, there needs to be a push form the mainstream political establishment to create “a more balanced, social and competitive Europe.”
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