In the framework of his official visit to Greece, the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz met with Hellenic Republic President Karolos Papoulias on May 18 and expressed his discontent at the lack of reasoned dialogue between Europe and Greece.

He stressed that "it saddens me that much is being said about Greece, but never with the Greeks [...] We do not want to subjugate Greece, but to help her."

Later on the same day, Martin Schulz spoke at the Athens Concert Hall , emphasizing that his presence in Greece is an indication of solidarity and support to the Greek people. Nevertheless, he warned against the non observation of the memorandum agreement, saying characteristically that "Pacta sunt servanta." While in Athens, Schulz also met with new Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras, Syriza leader Alexis Tsipras, Pasok leader Evangelos Venizelos, Democratic Left party leader, Fotis Kouvelis, as well as former Prime Minister and Socialist International president George Papandreou.