Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met at noon at Meximou Mansion with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
“I think it is fair to say that, overall, we have not made the progress we would like to see, but we are seeing new momentum. Of course, every country is different and every situation is unique, but I would love to hear your views on how the process is progressing and what we can do to contribute constructively and help,” the prime minister said.
“Two of the candidate countries are our immediate neighbours, and we have very close ties with all of them. For this reason we have a strong interest in integrating the Western Balkans into Europe. And I am sure that, as far as this issue is concerned, our priorities coincide perfectly,” he added.
“When I talk about the enlargement process, Greece is a very important partner, especially if we look ahead to next year, in the second half of which you will hold the presidency. I am really counting on you. We cannot succeed in the enlargement process without the presidency,” the European Commissioner stressed.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister and the Commissioner had the following dialogue:
Kyriakos Mitsotakis:It is always a pleasure to meet you. Your visit is taking place at a very interesting time. On the enlargement agenda, particularly for the Western Balkans, we have been strong supporters of enlargement for many years.
I think it is fair to say that, overall, we have not made the progress we would like to see, but we are seeing new momentum. Of course, every country is different and every case is unique, but I would love to hear your views on how the process is going and what we can do to contribute constructively and help.
Two of the candidate countries are our direct neighbours and we have very close ties with all of them. That is why we have a strong interest in integrating the Western Balkans into Europe. And I am sure that, on this issue, our priorities coincide perfectly.
Marta Kos: Yes, indeed. Thank you, Prime Minister, for the opportunity to meet with you before I visit Delphi. Indeed, there is movement on the accession process and we have had some very good news in the last few days. Yesterday, for the first time in almost 17 years, the working group on the Accession Treaty of Montenegro was set up. This is only the first step, but it shows the commitment of the Member States and, of course, of Montenegro, as well as of the European Commission.
And when I talk about the enlargement process, Greece is a very important partner, especially if we look ahead to next year, in the second half of which you will hold the presidency. I am really counting on you. We cannot succeed in the enlargement process without the Presidency. It will be a lot of work for you, Alexandra, and for everyone. Because you are in a central position, you border many candidate countries, and you have always participated and given a new impetus through the Thessaloniki agenda in 2003.
