As the Hellenic Presidency of the European Union Council kicked off, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Venizelos appeared in a number of international media. In an op-ed article in the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on January 3, he explained the priorities of the Hellenic Presidency: to promote policies that boost growth and job creation, to deepen economic governance institutions and fortify the common currency, the protection of the common European borders and last but not least, the development of a comprehensive maritime policy. On January 1st Venizelos had also talked to Euronews TV on Greece’s assuming the Presidency of the EU Council.

On January 2 Venizelos stated at an interview with the German television station ZDF that Greece's success will be shared by Europe and the eurozone as their success as well.

See also ANA mpa.gr: FM Venizelos: "Greece's success is a success for Europe and the eurozone"