As the EP hosts the Economic Governance Conference, the President of the Hellenic Parliament explains why he believes that things have to change in the EU.

Time to change Europe’s economic course?

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You're here for the Economic  Governance Conference of the EU.

My message is  that in this current period of crisis,

between members of  national parliaments and MEPs

helps in making decisions  that can be explained to citizens.

It also involves citizens  in our common effort to get out of the crisis.

and I think that we,  as their direct and genuine representatives

in the national parliaments,  and the MEPs

need to have discussions with the  Commission and the other EU institutions

to make real progress  in all the necessary areas.

We have to find solutions to the current  problems and take measures

that will prevent such crises  occurring in the future.

Do you think that because of the  current policies, European citizens

will not participate in the upcoming  European elections, just as in the past?

It's true that voter turnout  in the European elections

hasn't always been the best  and as high as expected.

But I think the citizens understand  that we're in a very critical period

and that their votes  will determine the future.

If we, meaning all political forces,  succeed in finding a way

to encourage citizens to vote  and thus contribute to solving these issues,

I have to stress that in Greece the elections  coincide with the municipal elections,

so I think that at least in Greece  turnout will be very high.

Regarding Greece  and the other southern countries

which are facing  many economic problems:

What are the consequences  of Troika policy in these countries,

and does it have to change?  -Many things have to change.

Europe in its current form  and the way it is presented

and it's not the kind of Europe  that makes us happy and encourages us.

But the solution is not to destroy Europe.  The solution is more Europe.

The solution is more dialogue,  more participation,

so that we can recreate  the kind of Europe we want.

I believe that if we make an effort, we can  reduce the current level of euroscepticism,

which has been created because Europe  wasn't prepared to deal with the crisis.

The decisions at the time  had been taken during a quiet period.

The rapid speed of the crisis forced Europe  to deal with it in a nervous way.

I think this has taught us a lesson that we  have to find the necessary mechanisms

as well as the agreements and institutional  bodies that we need to get out of this crisis

and to prevent another crisis of this kind.

I would like to ask you a question  about the EU presidency.

What will the Greek presidency do to help  bring about economic recovery in Europe?

First of all, you need to know that we are  very aware of the duties of this presidency.

because one year ago many were in doubt,  not about the presidency,

but about whether we would  still belong to the eurozone and the EU.

But today we are here and we are proving  that we can overcome difficulties

We have outlined the form  which the banking union must take,

what needs to be done to create jobs  and remain competitive,

how we can bring about more justice  and transparency,

and how all of this can be achieved  without provoking social turmoil

I do think that the presidency  will be a success,

and I believe that by the end of June,  when we will be handing it over,

we will receive recognition  from all elected political entities

I wish to thank them in advance for their  help in making this presidency a success.

Mr President,  thank you very much for this interview.