Samaras: First year of recovery in 2014

The Greek Presidency starts with the best omens Premier Antonis Samaras said after the Summit, adding that if Greece was still with her back to the wall, she would not exert an effective presidency, as she will in the next semester.
 
"2014 will be the first year of recovery after six years of recession. We have reached the end of our journey and we start with a primary surplus, having fixed our finances and regained our credibility. All this was done with the sacrifices of the Greek people. We still have a lot to do, but 2014 will be the year we exit the crisis, and a better year for Greece and Europe," the Premier said.
 
And continued: "We decided to strengthen the policy to tackle illegal immigration and those involved in vulgar trafficking. We will also support other countries outside the EU receiving pressure from immigration. We discussed the wider concept of defense and security in Europe. Moreover, we will strengthen the European defense industry in the coming years. This opens opportunities for Greece as it has relevant units especially after the decision for the HDS."
 
Samaras said the second major issue was the economic development of Europe. "It was recognized that while there are significant signs of recovery, the deferences between north and south are strong and unemployment is very high in some countries such as Greece. The restoration of lending to small businesses is a top priority."
 
Third section, according to the Greek Premier, was the economic and monetary union. "We discussed mainly the single consolidation mechanism. It is a very good first step and will require the cooperation with the European Parliament and the Member-States and will be a challenge for the Greek presidency. It will shield the banking system and enhance liquidity in European economies."
 
He also said: "I have undertaken to promote EU's relations with Moldova in the framework of the Eastern Partnership," and concluded by saying that the marine policy and immigration were both accepted as European priorities.