The European elections are around the corner – and with them, a seismic opportunity for Greeks everywhere to ensure that the best people are representing our interests in the European Parliament. For many of our citizens however, (over 40% according to one recent poll) these elections are being viewed with indifference.
It’s true that elections have come thick and fast in Greece over the last twelve months, whilst European elections are traditionally accompanied by less public fervour than their national equivalents. Yet the choice we get to make on June 9th is truly important. It will define how we engage with an organisation which, when our relationship is strong, is one of our nation’s greatest assets.
Many Greeks will remember those dark times, when the churlish approach of our leaders led to an attitude of conflict with the EU that piled misery onto the Greek people.
Much of our economic success in recent years has come through close working and collaboration with the EU. The post-pandemic Recovery and Resilience Facility for instance, has enabled digital transformation and hospital improvement programmes, and is expected to account for 60% of economic growth next year. Our increasing leadership role within the bloc also means we’re working constructively with other EU nations to solve global issues – most notably by leading the calls for greater consumer protection after recent shocks to food prices.
It is vital we remember that these relationships aren’t flukes, nor is the funding we’ve secured in recent years some sort of careless handout. No, they’re the fruition of years of hard work rebuilding our relationship with the EU after it reached its nadir under Syriza. Many Greeks will remember those dark times, when the churlish approach of our leaders led to an attitude of conflict with the EU that piled misery onto the Greek people.
Thankfully, we’re now past that stage, however to sustain and build upon the progress we’ve made will require sustained public interest and work. This starts with these elections, the results of which will set the tone for our engagement with Europe for the next five years. For me, New Democracy remains the right option for Greece. They know what it takes to work with the EU at all levels – from high-level diplomacy to the less glamorous but equally critical work such as ensuring we have the correct regulatory alignment to unlock new investment. The power is now in our hands once again to decide – do we continue this work, or do we regress? On June 9th, it is the duty of all of us to choose.
Article written by Christina Georgaki, originally published on The Parliament
