The 3rd European Economic Forum with the topic, “The Greek Economy on a Crossroad: Opportunities and Threats”, which was organized by the Institute of Research & Training on European Affairs – I.R.T.E.A., was completed successfully, with great participation. The event has held in the framework of the Money Show 2018, on Tuesday 9th, 2018 at 11:00 – 14:00, at the Hilton hotel.
The event was welcomed and coordinated by Mr. Vangelis Dourakis, journalist of Alpha 98.9 radio broadcast & Alpha TV channel. The honourable speakers of the event were, Mr. Christos Staikouras, MP of the New Democracy and former Deputy Minister of Finance of Greece 2012-2015, Assistant Professor of the Department of Accounting and Financial Economics of the University of Athens, Mr. Odysseas Konstantinopoulos – Democratic Co-deputy MP and former Deputy Minister of Development and Competitiveness, Mr. Angelos Kotios, Dean of the University of Piraeus and Professor at the Department of International & European Studies, Director of the International and European Policy and Development Programmes Laboratory and Ms. Doge Alexandra – Head of the Independent Programming and Evaluation Department Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) of the PPP Special Secretariat.
At first, the MEPs had the floor and they consciously acknowledged mistakes, that have been done in the past and presented plans and strategies for new development opportunities in Greece. Mr. Staikouras, as the first rapporteur, expressed the importance of having a realistic plan for the consolidation of the financial sector with structural changes in the economy, strengthening the economy’s liquidity and focusing on extroversion.
Later, Mr. Konstantinopoulos presented the GREECE programme, a development project that will focus on the development of entrepreneurship and private investment with a focus on attracting large investments from abroad, while highlighted the importance of young people’s participation in the new economic and political reality, who happily asked them to participate from within.
The conversation, continued by the honourable Rector of the University of Piraeus, Mr. Kotios, who he had an extremely documented speech and he truly impressed the audience. Mr. Kotios, highlighted, that low competitiveness is a major issue, but also the key to “leaving the crossroad”. He mentioned that, the insurance problem is a main issue of Greece and is the reason for the derailment of the economy, short term or long term. Additionally, he presented evidence from studies by international organizations and his very own workshop, explaining the reasons of low competitiveness and the consequences of the introversion that characterizes Greek economy, in almost all the sectors. Finally, he expressed his concerns about a positive post-Memorandum Greece, as the pathogens of the past do not seem to have been eradicated.
Then, Ms. Doga, as a PPP representative, outlined the significant benefits that the synergies between the public and the private sector can have for society and economy. Remarkable deliverables, include the construction of European-quality schools throughout Greece with PPPs, as well as, waste-water treatment projects in many regions. Ms. Doga underlined, in a general framework, the importance of “alliances” and the adoption of new flexible developmental models in times of crisis. The successful model of investment PPPs needs to be continued and multiplied.
Finally, there was a constructive debate with great public participation. The participants did specific questions, expressed their attitudes and raised concerns, which were faced with great attention and response from the speakers.