German daily Handelsblatt has chosen Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras as politician of the year in Europe. The financial newspaper justified its choice saying that in hard times, the PM "realized what the interest of the country called for and responded to the challenge." According to a written comment by former German Foreign Minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher, praise goes to the the Greek premier for his courage and consistence.

In a separate development, the premier travels to Germany today to take part as a keynote speaker at a conference organized by Die Welt newspaper.

He is also expected to have a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. [Photo: From a previous exclusive interview with Handelsblatt]