Visiting European Parliament President Martin Schulz met yesterday with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in the context of a joint meeting of the Greek cabinet and the Conference of European Parliament presidents.

In joint statements [audio] following the meeting, the premier reiterated the priorities of the upcoming Hellenic presidency, emphasizing on the need for a less bureaucratic Europe that would combine fiscal consolidation and growth, as well as competitiveness and social cohesion.

On his part, EP President Martin Schulz, said that as of January 1st, Greece assumes, as an equal EU partner, a rather demanding task and underscored that "the Greek government is well prepared for the upcoming EU presidency," adding that his meeting with PM Samaras was most productive. He also referred to the encouraging signs of the Greek economy, such as the primary budget surplus or recent A+ ratings given to the Greek economy for investors.
Schulz repeated this position after meeting Greek Parliament Speaker Evangelos Meimarakis, adding that Greece "for the first time has a realistic chance at economic recovery."

President Martin Schulz also met with President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias. President Papoulias said Greece has done its duty and that its partners must do the same, namely to reducing Greece's debt and take initiatives for growth.

On his part, Martin Schulz said "we want a better Greece for a better Europe," adding that the European Parliament will support the six-month rotating Greek EU presidency.