Dmitris Avramopoulos sent a message of national confidence from the podium of the Circle of Ideas conference, stressing that Greece is not threatened and should not be afraid.
Former European Commissioner and Foreign Minister Dmitris Avramopoulos made a strong intervention on the direction of Greek foreign policy. Speaking at the annual conference “National Action Plan under Global Uncertainty”, co-organized by the Ideas Circle and the Delphi Economic Forum, the experienced politician called on Athens to overcome its traditional phobic syndromes towards Anghra.
Referring to the latest developments and Ankara’s planned legislation of the “Blue Homeland“, he noted that “what Turkey is planning is really not pleasant” and that understanding remains difficult. However, he stressed that “what is happening in Turkey is mainly for internal reasons” and that “there is no intention to attack.” “Greece is not threatened, Greece should not be afraid,” he said.
In addition, Avramopoulos stressed that Greece should make more use of its potential in “soft power politics”, while criticising “media diplomacy” and “diplomacy of statements“. He also stressed that “dialogue is the only way” and that he agrees with George Gerapetritis’ approach, “because otherwise the armies will take the floor and nobody wants that.” He said that both official and unofficial channels of communication must work, as in the past many difficult situations did not develop into crises precisely because such channels existed.
Avramopoulos also appeared concerned about the overall course of Europe, noting that in recent years the European Union has lost some of its political cohesion and geostrategic power. He said the rise of nationalism and populism in many countries is raising concerns about the stability of European democracy, and warned that Europe must redefine its role in an international environment of increased geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
