Papandreou: It?s decision time for Europe

Prime Minister George Papandreou stressed the need for the transition to a Europe of solidarity and social cohesion, after his meeting with European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso in Brussels, ahead of Sunday?s summit.

?It is decision time for Europe now,? Papandreou stated.

For Athens, the starting point for the negotiations is the positive aspect of the July 21 agreement, while the government?s stated strategic decision is to keep the country in the eurozone.

Papandreou noted that there are decisions that have to be made immediately as every day that goes by European citizens are losing their trust in the European Union and the economic, political and social cohesion are damaged.

“That?s why the challenge we have is a European challenge and not simply a Greek one, and is a challenge which is not just for the future of Europe but for the existence of Europe,» he said.

“In the next few days our decisions are historical. They have to be decisive, and they have to create a Europe of cohesion and move beyond the prejudices to a Europe where we work together in solidarity.”

Government spokesman Ilias Mossialos stated that the Prime Minister?s meeting was conducted in a very positive atmosphere, in the presence of Mossialos and of Alternate Finance Minister Filippos Sachinidis.

Mossialos stated that Barroso told Papandreou he supports Greece?s effort and that Greece is an indispensable part of the eurozone.

The two leaders spoke in detail about the discussion conducted in the Eurogroup, the operation of the Commission?s task force to Athens and the technical assistance it provides.

They also discussed about the decision to reduce the national contribution to the investment programs of the EU-subsidized National Strategic Reference Framework.