By Speaking at today's conference in Athens on 'The south in crisis: Time for a southern progressive response', Hannes Swoboda, president of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, supported the dialogue that has begun though the online blog 'the south in talk' about the crisis in the south, underlining the need for a shared European strategy, using the Community method, to tackle the crisis.
He called on the European Union and its member states to act together and co-operate for investment in growth, innovation and employment.
Hannes Swoboda also reiterated that Greece and the Greek people have the full support of the European Socialists and Democrats in this difficult period:
The situation in Greece remains very critical - especially on a social level -but we are now more optimistic and confident because the situation is better than last year. This said, the task of helping Greece out of its economic difficulties through policies for growth remains crucial.
It is clear that without economic growth, efforts to reduce deficits and public debt have no chance.
The Greek government must take the fight against tax evasion and corruption more seriously.
Greece needs immediate financial security to continue the reforms necessary and to give the Greek people confidence in European solidarity.
The EU must help Greece to implement a realistic and fair growth strategy and to regain competitiveness.
Our target remains the same: to combine competitiveness and reforms with employment and social justice.
For Greece - and for all European countries - an alternative policy for growth and employment is needed more than ever. We are ready to fight for a more socially just Europe and for a progressive European future.
Dimitris Komodromos
+ 32 2 283 14 59
+ 33 3 88 17 46 98
+ 32 474 62 28 84
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