EU EXPANSION: A CHALLENGE AND AN OPPORTUNITY	NEWSPAPER "PROTI" (ILIA)
To G. Kavathas	18.05.03

 

In an interview given to the newspaper"Proti" (published in the Prefecture of Ilia), our compatriot and euro-MP Anna Karamanou talks about the recent expansion of the EU and its repercussions on the issue of Cyprus. Mrs. Karamanou comments on events in Iraq and Europe's inability to present a united front with regard to the USA. Remarking on the relationship between the two sexes, Mrs. Karamanou concludes that there is still a lot of ground to be covered. She does not forget to speak of Ilia, her birthplace.

 

- A short while ago EU expansion became a reality. What are your thoughts on the matter and what do you think the repercussions will be?

There is no doubt that it is a historic event with no precedent. A mere 15 years have elapsed since Europe was a continent divided into two camps, and a nuclear disaster presented a very real threat for the entire planet. Today we stand witnesses to incredible changes that indicate the desire of nations to tear down walls, bridge their differences, co-exist peacefully and together build a multi-cultural, democratic and prosperous Europe.

I believe that the expansion is in everyone's interest. Previous experience has shown that all EU member-states have benefited from the expansion of the internal market and commerce, and from the strengthening of the Union's position on the international political scene.

 

There is however some concern on the part of farmers and private businesses, who perceive the expansion as a drastic reduction of the EU funds they would normally receive. I believe this attitude is short-sighted and therefore mistaken. The expansion constitutes a challenge and a great opportunity, since it intensifies competition while ensuring the enlargement of the European market, and by extension of the field of action open to Greek enterprises.Now is the time to summon up our strength and succeed in this new environment.

 

Of course, economic and social cohesion, sustainable development, social dialogue, equality of the sexes and full employment must remain at the center of an expanded Europe's policy.

 

- How do you think Cyprus's accession into the European family will effect developments regarding the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations?

 

Cyprus's accession to the EU offers a fine example of Strategy and Diplomacy. In reality we are seeing that violence is becoming a non-option as a means of resolving disputes, and is being replaced by a diplomacy based on peace and democracy. The will of the Cypriot people, whether their origins be Greek or Turkish, appears to transcend the obstacles placed by national egoisms and past political practices, and is now dictating the formal solution. We have already witnessed the abolition of the green line and the essential resolution of the Cyprus issue before our very eyes.

 

The next few months shall be crucial, as a great conflict is taking place in Turkey between the military status quo and the political powers in favour of modernization, a conflict which affects Greek-Turkish relations. I believe now is the right time to support the pro-modernization democratic Turkish powers fighting for respect for human rights, peaceful co-existence, and the country's European prospects, and paving the way for good neighbourly relations and a creative partnership which shall also benefit the broader area of Southeast Europe in many respects.

 

The accession of the whole of Cyprus into the EU on May 1, 2004 shall, without a doubt, create the conditions for the further consolidation of Greek-Turkish relations.

 

- The recent events in Iraq brought to light the inability of the European Union to form a common foreign policy front and oppose the choices made by the USA. What must be done about this within the EU framework and what position should Greece adopt in light of this state of affairs?

 

The recent inability to reach a consensus over the Iraq crisis acted as a catalyst, revealing the necessity for a common European foreign policy as well as a security policy. The recent initiative by France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg for the improvement of co-operation with regard to defense was the first expression of this new trend. Any initiative aiming at correcting weaknesses in the field of common foreign policy and defense is certainly welcome by those who desire a fuller unification of Europe and a reinforcement of the Union's international role. The position of Greece as to the initiative was very positive, even though it could not participate as it was holding the EU Presidency. Our country has every interest to be part of the EU "hard core" on this issue and at the vanguard of the Union's quest for full emancipation. Just because we are a small country doesn't mean we cannot have great visions.

 

- Your sensitivity concerning issues of gender equality is well known. What is the situation today? Do we have real equality in Greece and if not, what needs to be done to achieve it?

 

It is a fact that in the last thirty years great progress has been made and that the position of women has improved greatly in all sectors, especially that of education. In fact, in education we could even talk of a triumph for women, since they presently constitute 62% of the student body at universities. And to think that for centuries, millenniums in fact, education was forbidden to women… This development has illustrated, in a most valid way, that when there exist truly equal opportunities for both sexes and when the criteria applied are transparent, objective and based on merit, women have no problem whatsoever. Unfortunately, this is not the case in other sectors, where we meet with indirect obstacles and exclusion (see the latest invitation for recruits to the police force), leading to a higher level of unemployment, lower salaries and pensions, and the absence or unequal representation of women in decision taking and future planning.

Even though Greek legislation regarding matters of gender equality is very progressive, Greece is rated last among EU countries as to participation of women in democratic institutions (below 10% in the Government, Parliament, Local Administration, social services, etc). This is due to the survival of patriarchal structures and dated views, to the uneven distribution of housekeeping duties, and to an electoral system that is far from woman-friendly. Thus, it will be a long time before full equality of rights and duties is achieved between the sexes, and the "battle" will have to be fought on many fronts and levels, by women as well, individually and collectively.

 

- What is your connection to the region of Ilia and how do you explain the fact that the prefecture ranks 50^th (out of 52) in Greece in terms of economic growth? What should the next steps be if we are to escape from this economic malaise?

 

As you know, Ilia is my birthplace. I was born and bred in Pyrgos and thus it pains me that one of the prettiest and wealthiest prefectures of Greece in terms of history and culture is marked by backwardness and underdevelopment. I believe that the workforce and the culture of an area –in terms of its value system and priorities– are the main factors influencing its progress or recession. That is where I believe we should be looking for the main causes of region's economic weakness.

 

- Tell us a little about yourself and your future plans. 

It is better to let others talk about oneself… or, at least one's website, www.karamanou.gr. Since you ask, however, I will tell you that on a personal level I lead a very full life, and that I find my job at the European Parliament exciting and motivating, despite being extremely demanding. My collaboration with colleagues from all EU member-states is excellent, and inspires my activity in this multi-national and multi-cultural environment. It seems that this may be the reason I was elected chairwoman of one of the 17 parliamentary committees of the European Parliament. So my future plans seem to be pointing in the direction of Europe…God willing!..