Mitarachi from London: Greece and UK share common objectives on migration, Greece becomes an important energy hub

Notis Mitarachi participated in the 7th Greek-British Symposium 2023, on energy security and stability in Europe.

During his statement, Mr. Mitarachi stressed the important steps our country has taken in the areas of development, energy and migration. Mr. Mitarachi noted that Greece and the UK have excellent bilateral relations while he made a special reference to the common objectives of the two countries in the management of migration.

He stressed that “Greece has implemented successfully a strict but fair migration policy” and added that the management of the reception and asylum system in Greece was an example that a British newspaper suggested that the UK should follow. Mr. Mitarachi also spoke about the successful Golden Visa program, as well as the tax incentives implemented in our country in order to attract investment and talent.

Against the background of the energy insecurity that has come to the fore due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the sustainability that remains a key global objective, Mr. Mitarachi emphasized that “Greece acted early in energy diversification. We invested to become an renewables player. We are becoming a major energy hub, connecting the south and east with Europe“. Noting that as Deputy Minister of Development in 2012-15 he prioritised the investment of the TAP pipeline, which, together with the LNG and other renewables, contributes to Greece’s early reduction of its reliance to a single energy supplier.

Following is the speech of Mr. Mitarachi:

“Excellencies, honorable guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great privilege to address such a distinguished audience, here in London.
Not far, from where I worked for many years, before returning to Greece in 2010.
I have witnessed a strong period of interconnectivity between the City of London and the Greek financial markets.
At the time as an active member of the Hellenic Bankers Association – UK, as well as an investment professional with a major Investment house.
With London leading European markets, a role it has to strive to preserve post Brexit.
It is clear to me that the City, the UK, has to rethink its strategic position.

I recall a discussion, a few weeks, before the referendum, with the then Lord Mayor of the City of London.
I was arguing that Brexit and changes in the non dom tax system, at the same time,
will eventually have a major impact on new arrivals to the UK at the least,
with departures of talent at the worst.
Greece on the other hand, has developed visa and tax scheme to attract people and capital, working very well for us since 2013.
Goals are similar.
Attracting and retaining talent and capital.
Proving a safe environment for people to flourish.
Ensuring energy sufficiency, as well as other critical resources.
In a volatile environment.
Where cooperation, within the European family, is of paramount importance.
On a multilateral and on a bilateral basis.
Greece and the United Kingdom enjoy excellent bilateral relations.
We see strong cooperation between our two countries.
We work closely to address common challenged, like migration.
Fighting smuggler networks, who put people at risk for financial profit.
Greece has implemented successfully a strict but fair migration policy.
Managing reception and asylum in an efficient manner,
an example that a UK newspaper suggested UK should follow.

Pleasure hearing from my good friend and colleague, Alberto Costa MP.
He has personally dedicated a lot of time to the Greek-British cooperation.
Many thanks to the organizers and all participants,
especially those that had to travel in order to attend.

This year’s Symposium address a critical issue.
As well said, energy security came to the forefront
because of the Russian invasion in the Ukraine
whilst sustainability remains a major global objective.

Greece acted early in energy diversification.
We invested to become an renewables player
We are becoming a major energy hub, connecting the south and east with Europe.
While serving a deputy minister for Investments,
in the 2012-2015 period,
a priority project for us was the TAP pipenine.
Together with LNG projects and the emphasis in renewables,
Greece reduced early our reliance to a single energy supplier.

I am certain that participants benefited from the event.
For me, a great pleasure to attend the Symposium, for the second time.

A Symposium that successfully serves as an active platform for further and closer cooperation between our countries.

Thank you.”