This month Greece is set to take on the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This presidency does not consist of an individual but is rather a position given to the government of one of the member states that changes every six months.
The Presidency is responsible for the functioning of Council and therefore chairs meetings and sets the agenda and work programme. It has the opportunity to influence the institutions to work on areas it deems should be given priority. While there are substantial advantages to holding the Presidency, it brings about considerable expense.
Greece has made the headlines in recent years because of the harsh impact the economic crisis had on an already struggling,inefficient economy.
The Greek government had no alternative but to succumb to requests that it exercises financial discipline in exchange for support through bailouts – effectively giving the country the liquidity it needs at reduced interest rates to avoid it from defaulting.
It is certainly true that it was those political groups originating from the right of the political spectrum that most vociferously advocated in favour of fiscal discipline, also referred to as austerity. While with hindsight some argue that austerity went too far, Greece is a clear example of where it was most needed. Waste, inefficiency and abuse of the public finances were rampant.
The situation is changing, as the country has made leaps forward by addressing these defects in the system. But other issues linger, such as the planned privatisation drive, tax collection and the much needed overhaul of the civil service that have so far been incredibly slow.
Generally, however, a great deal has changed for the better and while it is true that reduced spending will hinder economic growth at a time when the consequences are all the more painful, it is vital to note that pain in the medium term can result in long term sustainability. I am hopeful that this is what we will be in a position to report in the not too distant future.
Greece’s new way of doing things is evidenced in the way it approached its position at the helm of the EU
Greece’s new way of doing things is clearly evidenced in the way it has approached its position at the helm of the EU.
The job comes with substantial expense as the member state foots the bill of the huge increase in Brussels-based staff as well as events that take place both in Brussels and Greece. But while most member states see the Presidency as an opportunity to showcase the best of what the country has to offer, Greece is doing so on a budget.
Indeed, government spokesman Alexandros Vidouris explained that the Brussels permanent representation would employ 156 staff as opposed to the expected 250 for Presidencies. In addition, in order to avoid costly outsourcing to companies, everything will be done in-house and sponsors have been found for all air travel as well as chauffeur-driven car services.
The spokesman also cited the cost of the design of the logo as a clear indicator of efficiency and avoidance of waste. The design was carried out by young entrepreneurs and cost €12,500, in stark contrast to the normally budgeted €150,000.
Greece’s efforts to reduce costs will be aided by the European elections that are taking place in May. This means that most of the work will have to be concluded in the first three months of the year. All the trilogues will take place in the first trimester and the last European Parliament plenary session will take place in April. This reduces the workload substantially.
It will then be the Italian Presidency that will welcome the new MEPs as well as the new Commission President that for the first time will be tied to the results of MEP elections. The European political group with the most seats will be in a position to nominate the President.
Greece’s most pressing task at this point must be bringing its affairs in order in relation to talks with the country’s troika of the creditors that risk overshadowing Greece’s Presidency. I am hopeful that the negotiations currently taking place will be concluded without delay.
David Casa is a Nationalist MEP.