First of Elis

The MEP Mrs. Anna Karamanou, our compatriot, talks about the recent enlargement of the European Union and its impact on the Cyprus issue in an interview she gave to “Proti”. She comments on the events in Iraq and Europe’s inability to adopt a unified stance towards the USA. Referring to gender relations, she notes that much still needs to be done, and she also took the opportunity to speak about Elis, her place of origin.

• A little while ago, the enlargement of the European Union took place. How do you comment on this event and what do you think the consequences will be?

There is no doubt that this is a historic event without precedent. Less than 15 years have passed since the time when the European continent was divided into two camps, and nuclear disaster was a real threat to the entire planet. Today, we are witnesses to profound changes that demonstrate the will of the people to tear down the walls, bridge their differences, coexist peacefully, and jointly build a modern, multicultural, democratic, and prosperous Europe.

I believe that Enlargement is in the interest of all. The experience from previous enlargements has shown that all the countries of the Union have gained benefits from the expansion of the internal market and trade, from the strengthening of the economy, and from the enhancement of the Union’s position on the global political stage.

However, this development has caused some concern among farmers and professionals, who see Enlargement as a drastic reduction in the EU funds allocated to them. I believe that this mindset is short-sighted and, therefore, mistaken. Enlargement is both a challenge and a great opportunity, as it intensifies competition while simultaneously expanding the European market, and thus the scope of action for Greek businesses. Now is the time to mobilize all our resources to succeed in this new environment.

Of course, economic and social cohesion, sustainable development, social dialogue, gender equality, and full employment should remain at the core of the policy of the enlarged Europe.

• How do you think Cyprus’ accession to the European family will affect the development of the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations?

Cyprus’ accession to the EU is a very good example of Strategy and Diplomacy. In essence, we are witnessing the discrediting of violence as a means of resolving disputes and its replacement with diplomacy based on peace and democracy. The will of the Cypriot people, of both Greek and Turkish origin, seems to transcend the obstacles posed by national egoisms and outdated political practices, and now dictates the formal solution. We have already witnessed the abolition of the Green Line and the substantive resolution of the Cyprus issue before our eyes.

The coming months will be crucial, as a strong conflict is taking place in Turkey between the military establishment and the reformist political forces, a conflict that also affects Greek-Turkish relations. I believe this is the right moment to support the reformist, democratic forces in Turkey who are fighting for the respect of human rights, peaceful coexistence, and the European perspective, so that the path can be opened for a truly good neighborhood and creative cooperation that will bring multiple benefits to the wider region of Southeast Europe.

Without a doubt, the full accession of the entire island to the EU on May 1, 2004, will create conditions for further strengthening of Greek-Turkish relations.

The recent events in Iraq revealed the European Union’s inability to have a unified foreign policy and to oppose the choices of the United States. What should be done about this within the framework of the European Union, and what should Greece’s position be based on the new realities?

The recent inability to reach consensus on the crisis in Iraq acted as a catalyst, highlighting the need for a unified European foreign policy and security policy. The recent initiative of the four – France, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg – to strengthen cooperation in the defense sector was the first expression of this new trend. Any initiative that seeks to fill the gap in foreign policy and defense is certainly welcome by those who wish for European integration and the strengthening of the Union’s international role. Greece’s stance has been very positive towards this initiative, despite the fact that, as the presiding country, it could not participate. Our country has every interest in being at the core of the EU and at the forefront of efforts for the Union’s emancipation. The fact that we are a small country should not prevent us from having big visions.

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

It is a fact that significant progress has been made in the past 30 years, and the position of women has greatly improved in all sectors, with education being the most prominent. In this area, we can truly speak of a triumph for women, as today 62% of students in Greek universities are women. And to think that for centuries and millennia, education was prohibited (off-limits) for women… This development demonstrates in the most credible way that where there is true equality of opportunity for both sexes and where meritocratic, transparent, and objective processes are applied, women face no problems. Unfortunately, this is not the case in other areas, where indirect barriers and exclusions intervene (such as the recent recruitment announcement by the Hellenic Police), resulting in higher unemployment rates, lower wages and pensions, and the absence or underrepresentation of women in decision-making centers and future planning.

Despite the fact that Greece has very modern legislation on gender equality, it ranks last among EU countries due to the low participation of women in democratic institutions (below 10% in the government, parliament, local administration, social organizations, etc.). This is due both to the survival of patriarchal structures, outdated views, and the unequal distribution of family responsibilities between the sexes, as well as to the electoral system, which is not women-friendly. Therefore, much work remains to be done, and the struggle for achieving full equality of rights and obligations between the sexes is far from over. This struggle must be fought on many fronts and at many levels, by women themselves, both individually and collectively.

• What is your relationship with Elis, and how do you characterize the fact that the region ranks fiftieth in terms of economic development in the country? What should the next steps be in order to escape economic underdevelopment?

As you know, Elis is my place of origin. I was born and raised in Pyrgos, which is why it pains me that one of the most beautiful regions, rich in history and culture, is characterized by stagnation and underdevelopment. I believe that the human resources and the culture of a place — in the sense of its value system and priorities — are the main factors for progress or delay. I think this is where we should look for the primary causes of underdevelopment.

• Tell us a few things about yourself and your future plans.

For ourselves,it is better for others to speak… or at least, my website, www.karamanou.gr. However, since you are asking me, I would say that personally, I live a very full life, and my work at the European Parliament, although extremely demanding, excites and motivates me. I have very good cooperation with my colleagues from all the countries of the Union, and the multinational and multicultural environment inspires me to take action. It seems that this is why they elected me to the position of president of one of the 17 parliamentary committees of the European Parliament… Therefore, my future plans once again look towards Europe… God willing!