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I am glad that I have the opportunity to discuss ways of enhancing our very good bilateral relations to our mutual benefit.
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Greek Finish bilateral relations stand on an excellent level, with frequent exchange of visits on all levels, such as the one of the Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Fragogiannis to Helsinki last year and the upcoming visit of our PM Mr K. Mitsotakis in December.
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This momentum must be capitalized into concrete action, to face the multifaceted international environment, characterized by critical challenges for the peace and stability in Europe, Ukraine and the Middle East.
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As EU and NATO Partners, we share common values and principles, while adhering to international law. For this reason, Greece has steadily supported the enhancement of NATO’s relations with Finland throughout the years and naturally stood by Finland’s decision to apply for NATO membership
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Sadly, the current developments in the immediate vicinity of our continent render more than ever imperative the need to deal with issues that require not only our utmost attention, but our action. Those issues do not allow room for optimism. On the contrary, as it has been the case with the revisionist attitudes from Eastern Europe to the S.E. Mediterranean, there is a need for tangible solidarity based on principles against the policies of blatant aggression or silent opportunism.
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There is significant unharvested potential in our economic cooperation and I believe we can work together with a view to bringing about concrete results in this field. Τhe Greek Government supports investments that upgrade the productive capabilities of the country, in a sustainable way, as well as strategic cooperation in a wide variety of sectors, benefiting both parties.
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To this end, Greece’s has adopted new development law aims at attracting foreign investments by creating a friendlier and more functional investment environment.
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Greece continues to press ahead with reform and business-friendly policies and has become, over the last five years, one of the most attractive investment destinations in Europe. With successive credit rating upgrades by International Rating Agencies, especially the upgrade to “investment grade” by Fitch Ratings last December, as well as by Standard and Poor’s, in October 2023, Greece has opened doors to increased investment.
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Our upgraded legal framework for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with a specific focus on Strategic Investment Schemes, provides, through multiple incentives, an encouraging, friendly, safe and reliable environment for all types of FDI projects in Greece.
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The National Recovery and Resilience Plan «Greece 2.0» provides for the co-financing (with European Institutions EIB/EBRD) of investment loans on innovation, green economy and digital transition.
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We place particular emphasis on investments focusing on the decarbonization of the economy under “Just Adjustment Plan”.
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In addition, the current Development Law grants incentives to smaller scale investments, introducing 13 thematic state aid schemes, thus turning the investment climate friendlier and simpler.
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“Enterprise Greece”, our official Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, could offer potential investors instrumental consulting services in exploring and identifying attractive investment schemes in Greece and assist them with all procedural issues
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Closer cooperation on environmental protection and climate change would certainly be to the advantage of both our countries. We look forward to further strengthening our cooperation in addressing common environmental global challenges, especially climate change and sustainable water management.
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Recognizing that green transition can be the engine for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development for the local communities, Greece has launched the national initiative “GR-eco Islands”. This initiative aims to transform Greek islands into models of energy autonomy, circular economy for water and waste, and eco-mobility.
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Greece attaches particular importance to the prevention and effective management of the migratory flows, along with the adequate protection of EU external borders. In this framework, we look forward to enhancing our cooperation with Finland within EU.
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The Greek authorities exercise their sovereign right to protect the borders and prevent unauthorized crossings by carrying out their duties in full respect of Greece’s international obligations. They operate both at land and sea borders with the utmost attention to the protection of human life and with full respect for persons who may be entitled to international protection.
