Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister. The footage shows extracts of their bilateral meeting and press point in Athens during which Metsola mentions a tribute to the death of Alexei Navarny, and the importance of European elections.

EU - Greece (T)

meeting

press conference

official visit

METSOLA, Roberta (EPP, MT, EP President)

Athens

Greece

MITSOTAKIS, Kyriakos (EL)

president's agenda

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Athens (Greece): extracts from arrival, meeting with Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister and press point

Exterior views of Maximos Mansion, building of the Greek Prime Minister Office (4 shots)

Arrival of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, welcomed by Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister (1 shot)

Roundtable meeting between Roberta METSOLA, EP President, welcomed by Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister (3 shots)

SOUNDBITE (Greek), Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS, Greek Prime Minister, Madam President, Dear Roberta. Ladies and gentlemen, I had today the great pleasure to have the president of the European Parliament visit Athens within the framework of her first official visit in our country under this capacity. And, of course, we had the opportunity to discuss about her all issues pertaining to Europe since our cooperation is always close and constructive. Besides, it's only four months to the upcoming, the European elections that will take place in our country on June 9th. This is, a milestone since, we are going to have, the powers and rules that will shape the challenges for Europe in the next five years. Geopolitical, financial challenges, technological challenges, before which Europe must have its own answers. So this is why it becomes really important to build a strategic autonomy in Europe and to forge a common course of the member states.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, On the 9th of June, Greeks and another 400 million other Europeans will be called upon to vote in the European elections. And this is why I am currently visiting European Union member States to listen, to show the value of Europe, to increase awareness about the European elections. I am here to encourage to vote, particularly young people those here, age of 17 can for the first time do just that. And now that postal voting is a reality, it is easier and faster than ever to participate in democracy.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, After the 9th of June, there will be 720 members of the European Parliament, 21 from Greece. Who those people are and what they stand for is in your hands. They will shape policies and adopt legislation that affect all of Greece and Europe. And it is up to you, Greek citizens, to vote.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, We must treat all member States the same. And this is why we insisted as a Parliament on an annual rule of law reports from the Commission that puts all member states under the same scrutiny. Why have we been asking for this? And we've done this for many years now because we want to discuss these issues honestly, and we need to be careful not to politicise or weaponise important discussions on the rule of law.

SOUNDBITE (English), Roberta METSOLA, President of the European Parliament, Last word. Let me very much congratulate Greece for legislating under your leadership. Caracas for marriage equality. This was an important decision on our shared journey on strengthening people's rights. And I thank you for. Thank you.