On October 17, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras addressed the 21st Congress of the European People's Party (EPP) held in Bucharest.

In his speech, the PM said that he felt it is his duty to render Greece a success story, and "with your help, the weakest link will soon become the cornerstone of our European foundation."

The premier further noted that Greece has made it to the Guinness book records, lately, referring to the sharpest austerity programme ever, with more than 25% of GDP in deficit cutting measures in three years; more than five consecutive years of recession, and overall loss of 22% of GDP so far over the same period; and hundreds of structural changes decided and implemented only in the last two years, mostly in recent months. "We have done a lot. And we still have a long way to go," the premier noted.