ODESA, JANUARY 24th, 2014, CONTEXT-PRICHERNOMORIE ― Consul General of Greece in Odesa Antonio Haziroglou has stated, that the main purpose of the EU is still to preserve the integrity, a single currency and financial stability, Context-Prichernomorie correspondent reports.

Antonio Haziroglou noted yesterday, 23 January, during the presentation of the priorities of the Greek Presidency of the European Union.

“The main objective of the European Union is still maintaining the integrity, a single currency ― the euro and financial stability. In order to respond effectively to the challenges of the crisis and euroscepticism, the Greek Presidency will promote policies and priorities dictated by the needs of the citizens of the European Union,” he noted.

“Our first priority is the same as of all European peoples and countries. This is, first of all, economic growth and creating new jobs. At a time when unemployment is unacceptably high in many EU member states, especially hitting young people and the recession still constantly threatens Europe’s economies, the economic growth is of paramount importance for the Greek Presidency. Economic growth and a parallel increase in employment have a positive impact on the economy and otherwise improve social cohesion and political stability of the European Union,” Consul General added. “The main goal is a return to sustainable economic performance, combined with strengthened policy aimed at creating jobs. Here, for clarity, it is worth mentioning the possibilities offered by the implementation of a development and employment, as well as the implementation of the investment programme of the European Investment Bank and the European Commission, with the help of which the access to finance for small and medium businesses can be facilitated.”