INTERVIEW WITH DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER MR. MILTIADES BARBITSIOTIS
TO ANTONIS KIRIKOS
Greece as a pillar of security, our diplomatic weapons against Turkish provocativeness and the planning for Digital Visa. Deputy Foreign Minister Miltiades Varvitsiotis in a revealing interview with grtraveller.
Forty years have passed since Greece’s full accession to the “united European family”. How decisive for our historical course was the decision to have a European orientation?
Greece’s accession to the European family was a milestone in the country’s modern political history, defining our identity, our politics and our economy. It was a strategic security choice that gave us political strength and support on national issues. Over the years, thanks also to its participation in the Union, Greece has become a pillar of security and an exporter of stability, gained economic growth, made social progress and consolidated its democratic institutions. It is certain that without Konstantinos Karamanlis’ political courage and foresight, the fate of our country today would be very different.
What are the European challenges of the future? Are we ready to use them?
Undoubtedly, the first priority for Europe at the moment is to complete the titanic task of mass vaccination and finally fight the coronavirus pandemic. Beyond that, it is certain that climate change, increasing migration flows and the revolutions in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence will also test its limits in the coming years. Faced with these challenges, Europe needs to be not only resilient, but also more open and ambitious. Above all, to finally have a unified voice in world affairs and a credible foreign policy. Only then will it acquire the role it deserves in the global geopolitical scene.
‘ Greek-American relations at the moment are the best we could have ‘
What diplomatic weapons do we have in our “quiver” against Turkish provocativeness?
The Greek side has a clear objective to normalise Greek-Turkish relations through dialogue. All of Turkey’s latest moves, its constant threats and provocative actions, even now, after the resumption of exploratory contacts, shows that the neighbour is not coming with a willingness for dialogue and finding a solution. In anticipation of the upcoming European Council where Euro-Turkish relations will be discussed and with the issue of sanctions on the table, our diplomatic “weapons” remain the strong alliances that our country is methodically building at European and international level, communicating Greek positions, always guided by the rules set by International Law. This is Greece’s resounding response as a force for peace in the face of Ankara’s repeated provocations.
How does the Biden presidency affect Greek-American relations?
Greek-American relations at the moment are the best we could have. The new US President is familiar with the Greek case, as he has been particularly involved with our country during the economic crisis. The US, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in the security and stability of the wider Eastern Mediterranean region. Therefore, it is important to further deepen our relations, which also contributes to more and more voices being raised against Turkey for the way it behaves.
‘ Our goal is to establish Greece as a “technology crossroads” and as a friendly and attractive destination for people with an investment profile ‘
The European economy is not unaffected by the pandemic Covid-19; Is Greece ready to become an attractive destination for “digital nomads”?
With the strengthening of extroversion being a strategic choice of the Government, the modernization of the VISA framework is a priority and our goal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Having already completed the introduction of visas to attract business people – the so-called Business Visa – and students from third countries – the Student Visa – we are now in the battle to claim the digital nomads. The sun and the sea are strategic advantages of our country and we intend to make the most of them by simplifying the procedures for issuing visas with Digital Visa for teleworkers on modern technologies. Our goal is to establish Greece as a “technology crossroads” and as a friendly and attractive destination for people with an investment profile.
The economic and social support of island regions is a constant and major priority for the government. What initiatives is the European Union promoting?
The economic and social support of island regions is a constant and major priority for the government, given the large number of islands and the country’s long maritime tradition. The insularity clause must be part not only of national policies but also of European policies. In the EU framework, Greece is undertaking a joint initiative with Spain to strengthen insularity. It is a great opportunity to come forward with other countries that have islands, in the South, in the North and in the West, and to adopt a new Insularity Strategy. European support for islands must be multi-faceted and cover not only the traditional areas of infrastructure improvement – transport, water, waste and healthcare – but also modern areas such as environmental protection, digital transition, strengthening connectivity, structural transformation and improving access to markets for these regions.
Are you optimistic about the progress of the fight against the pandemic?
We have ended a year of pandemic. Greece has managed to be among the examples of best practices in dealing with Covid-19, many times ahead of the whole of Europe. The transition to normality is our big bet. And we will win it by fighting with the three powerful weapons we have at our disposal. First, with the vaccination programme. Already the major vaccination centre “Prometheus” in Attica has entered the battle, while citizens are participating in the vaccination. And this is very important. Second, by tapping into the Recovery Fund.
‘ The billions that Greece has secured to fight the financial crisis due to
of COVID-19, will revive the economy ‘
We were one of the first to submit a programme for their exploitation. We must also be among the first to absorb them, without letting a single euro go to waste. Thirdly, with the European vaccination certificate, which will contribute to the more immediate normalisation of movements. Already, Greek citizens can obtain a vaccination certificate through Gov.gr. Our goal and the proposal of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which is now being welcomed by many in the EU, is to issue a common certificate, which will facilitate travel and of course have a positive impact on tourism. By using all the tools, but above all by having the agreement of the experts, I believe that we will soon get out of this adventure.
What was your most difficult moment in ministry?
I wouldn’t say it was a difficult but demanding moment and we all needed to be alert: the European Council in July, where the European budget and the Recovery Fund were closed. It was the culmination of months of effort that resulted in Europe supporting our country with more than 70 billion euros! It was a difficult negotiation both in the General Affairs Council, where I represent our country, and at the Summit, but it was concluded with the best possible outcome.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In these special circumstances of the pandemic and in the absence of other options, I try to exercise in my free time. Although my time is limited due to my ministerial duties, I have made running part of my daily routine. My favourite habit is also reading. In particular, these days, I am reading the book by my beloved professor Nikos Alivisatos “Two steps forward, one step back” and Yuval Noah Harari’s “21 lessons for the 21st century”.
Your two favorite destinations in Greece and abroad?
Mystras, my place of origin, is without a doubt my favourite destination, among the endless choices our country offers. Taygetos has an amazing energy, which makes you calm down. But also the Aegean Sea with its islands. As for abroad, I will not be a pioneer. The city of light, Paris, is definitely one of my favourite cities.
