” Finally … we have a deal!

Finally … the Council, after copious negotiations reached a mutually acceptable solution and a deal that will determine the future course of the European Union.

Finally, you understood what the European Parliament was telling you all along, in response to voices of our citizens across Europe, that we must rise to the occasion and face the challenges created by the pandemic with courage, solidarity and ‘more Europe’.

Finally, you listened to Leaders of Member States, like the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who told you that we are facing an unprecedented economic crisis and we don’t have the leeway to appear divided or weak.

Finally, you reached a compromise and made a courageous leap towards a more united Europe.

Finally, you gave my country, Greece, a historic opportunity, after ten years of austerity, injustice and pain, to move on with the necessary reforms to achieve its productive reconstruction.

We must complete this ambitious effort quickly for the benefit of European citizens.

With solidarity, cohesion and procedures that safeguard the democratic processes guaranteed by the European Parliament and with respect of the principles and values of a united Europe.

Finally…together, let us take Europe to the next level.”

Intervention in written at the Plenary Debate on the Conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting of 17-21 July 2020.