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The Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the EU: Financial Report

ntirovouzis — Tue, 05 May 2015 06:52:56 +0000

For the hosting of the Presidency, an Independent Office was set up, under Law 4148/2013, at the Foreign Ministry’s Central Service, under the competent Deputy Foreign Minister and overseen by the Foreign Minister, with a special budget board and the Head of the Office serving as the competent manager.

The principal assumptions on which the planning and implementation of the Presidency activities were based were (a) savings on expenses, (b) utilization of existing public sector human resources, (c) exclusive use, as far as possible, of a single conference facility and a uniform programme, (d) a frugal programme of cultural events in and outside of Greece, and (e) an extensive sponsorship programme.

The financial management of the Office of the Hellenic Presidency, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was completed on 31 December 2014, with the settlement of all expenditures related to the Presidency.

The management of the budget of the 2014 Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the European Union – which was an undeniable success from both a substantial and organizational perspective – was

(a) fully transparent, in accordance with the regulations of public accounting,

(b) frugal, economical and effective, and

The financial report for the years 2013 (preparation year) and 2014 can be accessed below.

The Presidency (EU)

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Results of the Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the European Union 1 January – 30 June 2014

ntirovouzis — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 08:33:45 +0000

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The fifth Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the European Union concluded its mission and handed over to Italy. The Hellenic Presidency conducted its work at a period heavily affected by the ongoing economic crisis and its devastating effects in the social sphere. It was a period characterized by severe criticism of the EU and its way of functioning. This criticism and discontent were rather eloquently demonstrated during the recent European Parliament elections, when EU citizens proved to be quite vocal in their demand for a better Europe.

During the first semester of 2014, the Hellenic Presidency labored in an effort to lead the Union to a hopeful future, the future that the peoples and citizens of Europe deserve. We tried to turn the EU into a mature and potent political actor, one that, having learned from its past mistakes and delays, is capable of effective management of both internal as well as external challenges and opportunities. Our primary aim was to deliver tangible results for EU citizens under particularly difficult conditions. Our main objective was to find realistic solutions to the Union’s very real and pressing problems.

During the Hellenic Presidency, 71 pieces of legislation were concluded. Work continued even after the European Parliament recess and agreement was reached within the Council on over 15 legislative acts.

Read below the Results of the Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the European Union

The Presidency (EU)

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Prime Minister Antonis Samaras reviews the Greek Presidency at European Parliament plenary session (2.07.2014)

ekampaki — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 13:00:44 +0000

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Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras reviewed the Greek Presidency at the European Parliament plenary session, today (2.07.2014) in Strasbourg. Prime Minister Samaras also held a press conference with EP President, Martin Schulz.

Read below PM Samaras’ Opening and closing statements at EP.

The Presidency (EU)

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DPM & FM Venizelos reviews Greek Presidency achievements – Press Conference

ekampaki — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 08:04:52 +0000

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Upon the conclusion of the Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos held at Zappeion Megaron, on Monday, 30 June 2014, a press conference, during which he reviewed the main achievements of the Greek Presidency.

Read below DMP & FM Venizelos' opening statements

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European Council (Brussels, 26-27.06.2014)

ekampaki — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 07:43:29 +0000

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The European Council convenes today for a two-day summit. Today, the heads of state or government will gather in Ypres for a commemoration to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War and then they will have an exchange of views on the strategic agenda for the Union in the coming years.

On Friday, in Brussels, leaders will discuss the agenda for growth, competitiveness and jobs, evaluate progress in the area of regulatory fitness and discuss next steps. They will then discuss and define strategic guidelines for legislative and operational planning in the area of freedom, security and justice.

The European Council will take stock of progress made on the 2030 climate and energy policy framework and look at a set of most urgent measures to strengthen Europe’s energy security.

In the margins of the Council, the heads of state or government will sign the Association Agreements with Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and the remaining points of the Agreements with Ukraine.

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European Council 26/27June 2014 - Conclusions

EU and US strengthen dialogue on JHA issues

zchristidou — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 14:39:20 +0000

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Minister of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights, Charalampos Athanasiou and Minister of Public Order and Citizen Protection, Vassilis Kikilias chaired, on 25 June, in Athens, an EU–US Ministerial meeting on Justice and Home affairs (JHA). A number of issues critical to the European Union and the United States were discussed, such as data protection, migration, terrorism and judicial cooperation.

The meeting was attended by US Attorney General, Eric Holder, US Deputy Secretary for Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Cecilia Malmström and Director-General for Justice at the European Commission, Françoise Le Bail.

Data Protection was one of the key issues of the day. The discussion provided for an opportunity to review the progress of negotiations on the data protection Umbrella Agreement. The US announced their intention to seek legislative action giving European citizens the right to judicial redress in the US, in case of wrongful disclosure of their data. “We welcome the announcement on judicial redress and consider it a crucial step to promote cooperation. The EU remains eager to secure an Umbrella Agreement, making for increased transparency and a substantive response to citizens' concerns on both sides of the Atlantic”, Minister Athanasiou stressed. On the data protection package in the EU, Mr Athanasiou noted: “The reform is aimed at securing concrete benefits and reassurance measures for European citizens and businesses, while ensuring equal protection for EU data inside as well as outside of EU borders”.

During the meeting, the consequences of the European Court of Justice judgment invalidating the data retention Directive 2006/24/EC were also explored. “This judgment has caused a lot of concerns throughout Member States. We will have to look carefully at the question of mass data collection in relation to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the position of the ECJ”, Minister Athanasiou stressed.

In the area of mobility, migration and border security, EU-US came to the conclusion that the systematic contacts will remain necessary to manage migratory flows, as well as to coordinate strategies to balance migration and development in regions of high priority for both the US and the EU. EU-USA also agreed that the increase in mobility to be expected following the Free Trade Agreement is a key topic to be considered in the Platform as well.

Regarding the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), the special significance of the inclusion of all EU Member States in the Programme was recognized. Also, EU suggested that the US, the Commission and the forthcoming Presidency should define the modalities of such a VWP – Action Plan. “We remain focused on having all remaining EU Member States included in the VWP. We are very willing to deepen our cooperation with you on this critical subject”, Minister of Public Order and Citizen Kikilias stressed.

Judicial cooperation in criminal and civil matters was also a topic of discussion. Special focus was given to the effective implementation of the Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement (MLA Agreement). “We very much value dialogue and practical cooperation on these matters”, Minister Athanasiou said.

The strengthening of law enforcement cooperation under the Passenger Name Records (PNR) Agreement on the processing and transfer of passenger name records to the US Department of Homeland Security was also discussed. “The PNR Agreement is one of the cornerstones of the EU-US security cooperation. The EU is eager to pursue its cooperation with the US under this framework, satisfying at the same time both parties' standards on privacy and the rule of law”, Mr Athanasiou stressed.

During the meeting, both sides agreed that countering violent extremism, preventing the radicalisation and recruitment of terrorists is more urgent than ever. It was recognized that the Revised R&R Strategy's update has special significance in relation to the phenomenon of foreign fighters. Based on the work of the Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, the JHA Council discussed the issue extensively. “We are eager to deepen our cooperation with the U.S., through the strengthening of our dialogue and the enhancement of our information-sharing on this multifaceted problem”, Minister Kikilias underlined.

Both sides discussed the dimension of the global organized crime. Special focus was given to the developing creative frameworks of action against transnational organised crime. Minister Kikilias stressed that the creation of a legal basis in the light of promotion of democratic principles and relentless defence of human rights is the foundation of any successful strategy on organized crime.

Another important issue discussed was strengthening the EU-US dialogue on victims’ rights and disability. “The EU is determined to enhance its protection of vulnerable persons in the short and long run. We will continue to exchange best practices in this area with the US”, Mr Athanasiou said. Regarding disability, ways to deepen the cooperation with the US were explored. “As we seek to drive forward the negotiations for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), possible mismatches in disability standards should be addressed proactively”, Minister Athanasiou underlined.

Both sides referred to the joint efforts in the areas of cyber security and fighting cybercrime. At the forefront of the discussion were the findings of the EU-US Working Group on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime and the so called “Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online”. “The Global Alliance against Child Sexual Abuse Online is our most powerful instrument to date to bring together decision-makers around the globe on this issue. We are committed to enhance mutual cooperation”, Mr Athanasiou stated.

Last, but not least, the incoming Italian Presidency of the Council, represented by Minister of Justice, Andrea Orlando, and Deputy Interior Minister, Filippo Bubbico, listed its priorities in the fields of Justice and Home Affairs for the coming semester.

Justice & Home Affairs (JHA)

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Coreper agrees on a General Approach on the European Long-Term Investment Funds (ELTIFs)

ielmatzoglou — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 10:02:57 +0000

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During today’s (25.06.2014) Coreper meeting, Ambassadors of the 28 EU Member States agreed on a General Approach on the European Long-Term Investment Funds (ELTIFs) Regulation. This agreement constitutes the negotiating mandate for the incoming Italian Presidency to conduct trilogues with the European Parliament.

One of the main objectives of the Regulation is to establish harmonised rules of functioning and supervision of the ELTIFs, so that it is possible to promote an ELTIF which has been created and authorised in one Member State to other Member States (passporting), enhancing thus the efficiency and functioning of the internal market.

Welcoming the agreement on the ELTIFs, the President of the ECOFIN Gikas Hardouvelis said:

“In recent years, the lack of liquidity –and the associated contraction of investment - has been instrumental for the unfolding of the crisis. Finding new alternative sources for long-term financing, such as the current agreement, is a very crucial parameter for putting the European economy back to the path of growth. Long Term Investment Funds will have an important role to play in the development of infrastructure projects and other growth - enhancing projects with significant added value for the EU citizens. The new tool will also be important for the financing of small and medium sized enterprises, many of which have limited alternative sources of finance. This benefits the real economy, providing a predictable and stable flow of credit to businesses and thus creating more jobs.”

Economic & Financial Affairs (ECOFIN)

Last General Affairs Council under Greek Presidency concludes in Luxembourg (24.06.2014)

kkalantzopoulou — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 16:52:42 +0000

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The last General Affairs Council under the Greek Presidency, chaired by Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos, took place today (24.06.2014) in Luxembourg.

The Council decided to grant Albania EU candidate status, subject to endorsement by the European Council. Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Venizelos welcomed the decision: “We are sending a message of friendship, cooperation to Albania, to the Albanian government, to the Albanian political system, and we are certain that our Albanian friends understand that there is an institutional and political frame of reference. This frame of reference is the Copenhagen political criteria, respect for the European acquis, respect for international law, including the principle of good neighbourly relations. This message is a joint message of the 28 member states of the European Union and of the European Commission. I believe that this will be capitalized on in the best possible manner, so that at some point, as soon as possible, the accession negotiations can begin”.

Furthermore, on the initiative of the Greek Presidency, the Council endorsed an EU maritime security strategy as a framework for effectively and comprehensively addressing the EU's maritime security challenges.

The objective is to secure the EU's maritime security interests against risks and threats in the global maritime domain, such as cross-border and organised crime, threats to freedom of navigation, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or environmental risks. The strategy covers both internal and external aspects of the Union's maritime security in a cross-sectorial and comprehensive approach.

“I wholeheartedly welcome the adoption of the EU Maritime Security Strategy, which was one of the Hellenic Presidency's key priorities. This Strategy constitutes a significant step forward in safeguarding the EU's maritime security interests against a plethora of risks and threats in the global maritime domain, in accordance with the fundamental values and principles of the EU, including respect for international law and, in particular, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea”, underlined Evangelos Venizelos.

The Council also adopted a decision on the rules and procedures for the implementation of the solidarity clause (article 222 of the Treaty on Functioning of the EU). The solidarity clause provides for the Union and its member states to act jointly in assisting another member state being the subject of a terrorist attack or the victim of a natural or man-made disaster.

Finally, the Council made preparations for the next European Council meeting, which will take place on 26 and 27 June, and held an exchange of views via video link with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy. The European Council will focus in particular on the economy, including growth, competitiveness and jobs, the area of freedom, security and justice as well as energy and climate.

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Greek Presidency excels in gender equality issues

ekampaki — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 10:51:02 +0000

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The Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU is drawing to a close with flying colours in the area of gender equality, having promoted gender mainstreaming across the board of EU policies. Gender mainstreaming had been identified as one of the main priorities of the Greek Presidency in the field of gender equality, as set by the competent Secretariat General for Gender Equality at the beginning of the Greek semester and the accomplishment could be considered a best practice to be followed by future Presidencies.

What is gender mainstreaming?

According to a Council of Europe definition (1998), “Gender mainstreaming is the (re)organisation, improvement, development and evaluation of policy processes, so that a gender equality perspective is incorporated in all policies, at all levels and at all stages, by the actors normally involved in policymaking.”

In the EU, gender mainstreaming is used to integrate gender concerns into all policies and programmes of the European Union institutions and Member States, without however abandoning positive actions for women.

Greek presidency promotes gender mainstreaming

For the first time, the Greek Presidency, during its semester, managed to introduce the principle of gender mainstreaming in different ministerial Councils (apart from the usual EPSCO Council). In particular, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) Council meeting of 20-21 May 2014 adopted for the first time “Conclusions on gender equality in sport”.

Also for the first time, the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council meeting of 5-6 June, adopted conclusions on preventing and combating all forms of violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation.

The conclusions were drafted following the publication of an EU-wide survey carried out by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) recommending actions to tackle violence against women. The survey entitled “Violence against women across the EU: Abuse at home, work, in public and online”, had been presented at a conference co-hosted by the Greek Presidency on 5 March 2014, in Brussels.

In addition, the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council of 19-20 June adopted conclusions on “Women and the economy: Economic independence from the perspective of part time work and self-employment”. The conclusions were prepared by the Greek Presidency on the basis of a European Institute of Gender Equality (EIGE) report which analyses, from a gender equality perspective, women and men’s participation in the labour force in the EU-28, by examining part-time work and self-employment, areas where women are over- and under-represented, respectively. On the basis of the analysis, the report proposes additional indicators for the monitoring of the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) Area F and its strategic objective F1 in the EU-28.

EIGE is a European agency which supports the EU and its Member States in their efforts to promote gender equality, to fight discrimination based on sex and to raise awareness about gender equality issues.
FRA is one of the EU’s decentralised agencies, set up to provide expert advice to the institutions of the EU and the Member States on a range of issues. FRA helps to ensure that the fundamental rights of people living in the EU are protected.

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO)

Foreign Affairs Council discussed Ukraine, Syria, Libya and Iraq (Luxembourg, 23.06.2014)

ekampaki — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 06:16:52 +0000

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A Foreign Affairs Council meeting, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, took place today (23.06.2014) in Luxembourg.

The Council took stock of developments in Ukraine, on which several conclusions were adopted. Ministers also exchanged views on Libya and discussed the latest developments in Syria and Iraq.

A press conference was held at the end of the meeting.

In the margins of the Council, an EU-Turkey Association Council took place, chaired, on behalf of the High Representative, by the Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Evangelos Venizelos. The Council was followed by a press conference.

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