In statements to the press, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso expressed his confidence that the Greek Presidency would be "a real success."

Barroso said: "Greece embarks on its presidency of the Council of Ministers as Europe enters election mode, making it more important than ever to get our priorities right and show voters we can get things done. Our main challenge is to firm up the recovery and deliver our shared goals of stability, growth and jobs. I am sure that Greece's presidency will be marked by the same courage, resilience and determination that the authorities and the Greek people have shown in response to this crisis. This is an opportunity for Greece to show the world that it is not only capable of managing the crisis, but is and always has been a valuable contributor to the European project. This is Greece's fifth presidency since it joined the EU, so it is in familiar waters. I am confident Greece will bring its particular experiences to bear on this presidency and make it a real success."

Greece officially assumed the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on January 1, 2014 while the inauguration ceremony is taking place at Zappeion Hall today, January 8.