France’s President Emmanuel Macron will be arriving in Greece on an official visit between September 7-8 where he will be meeting with his Greek counterpart in an effort to strengthen bilateral relations.
Macron has called for urgent changes for the sake of the continent’s future and said that his talks with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will focus on attracting investments in Greece, the country's stable access to the markets and the future of Europe. The two leaders will also discuss EU-Turkish and EU-Russian relations, Cyprus, the developments in the Western Balkans and migration.
Both Greece and France agree by and large on the need to develop a political control and accountability over the implementation of European economic policy. In addition to the absolutely necessary democratisation of economic governance, Greece also gives a special emphasis on the restoration of the balance between the economic and social dimensions of Europe, a matter closely linked to the abandonment of neo-liberal policies of unilateral austerity.
According to government sources, the Greek government believes that Macron's visit to Athens highlights the fact that the country has a crucial role to play in this ongoing dialogue and has ceased in recent years to be considered as a mere observer.
At the same time, the visit of the French President is an acknowledgment of the upgraded geopolitical role of Greece and shows the practical support of our country's growth dynamics.
Macron is expected to present his vision for the future of Europe, the strengthening of European constitutional values and democracy. His speech is expected to reveal elements of the new EU and Eurozone architecture which is being discussed between Berlin and Paris in recent months. At the same time, he is expected to highlight the importance of Greece's effort to address possible European crises, such as those of recent years, defending international law and the European acquis.
According to the same sources, Tsipras will stress the historic significance of Greek-French friendship and cooperation and France's key role in supporting Greece during the economic crisis - and specifically Macron's, during his tenure in the finance ministry. He will also note that the new EU and Eurozone architecture can lead to a better future for European citizens on the condition that it will be based on the development of a social, democratic Europe and the defense of the European acquis.
Macron will be accompanied by Finance and Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and the Minister for European Affairs Nathalie Loiseau. The French mission will also include business people involved in the sectors of energy, infrastructure, tourism, start-ups, finance and the defence industry.
