German-Greek cooperation in the euro crisis
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle’s talks with his Greek counterpart Stavros Dimas in Berlin on 29 November focused on their joint efforts to overcome the debt crisis in the euro area.
Μεγέθυνση εικόνας
ΥΠΕΞ Σ. Δήμα και ΥΠΕΞ Γερμανίας G. Westerwelle
(© Auswärtiges Amt)
Prior to their meeting, the two Foreign Ministers attended the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum together with their Polish colleague Radosław Sikorski, where they took part in a discussion on Europe’s future.
During their bilateral talks, the Greek and German Foreign Ministers also discussed how to resolve the euro crisis as quickly as possible and, in particular, how to deal with its long-term consequences. “I am pleased that we have both voiced support for limited amendments to the EU Treaties,” Westerwelle stated after the meeting.
Long-term reforms
Μεγέθυνση εικόνας
ΥΠΕΞ Σ. Δήμα και ΥΠΕΞ Γερμανίας G. Westerwelle
(© Auswärtiges Amt)
Westerwelle said this was not about re‑inventing Europe, but rather about eliminating structural deficits and taking the appropriate measures to prevent such crises from happening again. According to the Foreign Minister, it was therefore crucial to have authoritative sanctions with teeth. “We want to further develop the European Union and transform it into a stability union,” he said.
Westerwelle expressed his great respect for the firm determination the new Greek government had pledged in tackling the implementation of reforms. He said he knew the government’s major reform projects also placed great burdens on the Greek population and assured Dimas that Athens could count on Europe’s and Germany’s solidarity in this endeavour.
Increasing the EU’s competitiveness
Westerwelle also said that now was the time to create the basis for economic recovery. In order to achieve this, it was essential to ensure discipline in spending and to increase Greece’s as well as the whole EU’s competitiveness.
Dimas emphasized the Greek government’s resolve to address the crisis quickly and effectively together with its European partners. He was convinced that the crisis could be overcome on the EU level if the eurozone’s institutional framework was strengthened with the help of amendments to the Treaties.
In addition to the euro crisis, the two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on the developments in the Arab world, particularly in Syria and Egypt, and on current events in Iran.
Last updated 30.11.2011
