Barroso: Greece is an example for Europe

"Europe owes much, not only to the ancient classical Greece, but also to modern Greece for its example of determination, commitment and courage that it shows at this juncture," European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso began his speech at the presentation of the priorities of the Greek EU Presidency in the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Barroso reiterated that the Cassandras who predicted that Greece will exit the eurozone and the EU and that Europe will collapse were abysmally disproved.

"The fact that Greece takes over the EU Presidency, shortly before the end of the parliamentary term, and that the prime minister is today in the EU with a firm European commitment, demonstrates that the Cassandras were wrong. The strength and determination of the Greek people is much greater than that predicted by the alarmists."

Barroso reiterated that Greece has launched a particularly painful but necessary fiscal adjustment process with impressive results, noting that from a budget deficit of 15% of GDP, the country achieves a primary surplus, which is evidenced by the steady decline in the current account deficit.

In conclusion, he said the Greek Presidency focuses on issues shared by the European Commission and expressed his belief it will be successful. He added that it is not only about fiscal consolidation and structural reforms, but also about the stimulation of investments to bring growth and boost employment.

Hannes Swoboda: EU should help Greece in the repayment of its debt

Socialist Group leader Hannes Swoboda said the EU should help Greece in its debt repayment. "As Vangelis Venizelos said, why should Greece repay the debt so quickly?" he railed against Troika, saying – an addressing Barroso – that "there are Troika demands that are unacceptable just like its methods because it  is destroying the social fabric."

Swoboda attacked Ren too, saying that he came to the EU committee and said that everything is perfect. "Yes, with the gun to the head. Greece had made reforms in the past and today is not the end but the beginning though this may have political cost for the parties in government."

Finally, he referred to the Greek presidency, saying: "We believe in the Greek Presidency. It is important for Greece and for Europe."

Addressing Greek PM Antonis Samaras he asked him to contribute to a social Europe.

Guy Verhofstadt spoke on behalf of the the Liberals

"Greece is the symbol of Europe for the better and for the worse. Your country represents the largest debt crisis we have faced. The Greek crisis is the quintessence of the European crisis, lack of discipline, lack of empathy, lack of responsibility. We would not have the Greek crisis if its leaderships had taken their responsibilities from the beginning along with European solidarity. What we are living in Europe is a tragedy and I expect a period of stagnation. There is no global crisis, only in Europe. There is a collective responsibility of the Greek government. The reforms have been slow, there is a huge public sector and closed professions. Instead of promoting these reforms there were cuts on already low incomes."