Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis and German Minister of State for Europe, Michael Roth held yesterday in Athens expanded talks focusing on Next Generation EU, the European Digital Certificate, migration and other issues on the European agenda.
Against the backdrop of the Acropolis, Mr. Varvitsiotis warmly welcomed his German counterpart, highlighted the importance of in-person bilateral meetings and described him as a highly committed European and true friend of Greece.
In his remarks, the Alternate Minister made special mention of the EU Recovery Plan (Next Generation EU), describing it as the largest European project. “After the completion of the ratification of Own Resources Decision by all member states, we are ready to implement our major project,” he noted. He specifically welcomed the role of Germany in its creation. Referring to the importance of the Green Digital Certificate, Mr. Varvitsiotis said that “it will allow us to travel freely in the coming months.” He also underlined Greece’s readiness to welcome German friends without quarantine, without any other document, but only with the Green Digital Certificate, in order to enjoy their holidays in Greece.
Referring to the role of Greece in the wider developments on the EU’s periphery, the Alternate Minister conveyed to Mr. Roth and the German side the Greek government’s interest for Greece to attend the upcoming Berlin Conference on Libya. For us, after the restoration of diplomatic relations with Libya, following the two visits of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister to Libya and a visit of the Libyan President to Greece, and given the fact that we have committed forces to join Operation Irini, “it is important to be present,” he noted. The Alternate Minister added that Mr. Roth took notice of the Greek request and that he would convey it to the highest level.
In addition, as regards the crucial issue of migration, Mr. Varvitsiotis underscored the need for EU member states to overcome their disagreements and reach a new Pact on Migration and Asylum that will address this common European challenge.