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Greek finance minister Georgios Papakonstantinou defined the climate in Brussels as “hard” after his return from the council of minister in the EU. At a press conference he stressed that Greece needs to regain Europe’s trust by undertaking immediate actions for decreasing the budget deficit and introducing effective program for economic upsurge as soon as possible. Reforms will start from the beginning of 2010 and their goal will be to return the normal economic rhythm of the country in the following four years.

In front of EUROGROUP and ECOFIN Papakonstantinou laid out the situation in which his government found the country when it came to power. The minister said that Greece is in its “worst possible economic situation since a while ago”. For 2009 foreign investments have decreased with 20% and 15% down is income from tourism. The state deficit has reached 12.5% of the GDP, in comparison to the official statement of 6% of the GDP, which was announced in a report by the previous government.

Regarding Greek statistics the Euro-commissioners have expressed their deep doubts about the authenticity of the previously published reports. As a result minister Papakonstantinou announced he will introduce a proposal in the National Assembly for separating the National Statistics Institute from the Ministry of Finance, so that it can function properly and report the true condition of the country unbiased. This is a step towards gaining back prosperity and trust in Greece in the eyes of its European partners.

The main measures of the newly elected government include a program for supporting the ones in need, creating new work positions for young people, constructive reforms in the field of education and developing new investment opportunities in the field of ecological development. In the future a series of measures will be undertaken for solving the problem with tax evasion and taxation of individuals and organizations.

Last but not least are topics regarding climate changes, which were agreed upon on a meeting in Copenhagen. The minister said that the government will keep its pre-election promises and that one of the main priorities is to protect the environment and to develop alternative energy sources. This subject was discussed also on a meeting of representatives from the European Bank and a series of investment packets in the field of ecology is expected.

In conclusion minister Papakonstantinou stressed that “the promises we gave to the people, to the simple people and especially to the weaker social groups, will be kept within our powers.”