Where Democracy Began: Finance and Culture in Athens From 30 to 31 October, Commissioner Piotr Serafin travelled to Greece to see firsthand how EU support is helping to modernise transport, preserve culture, and boost innovation. The visit was a timely opportunity to discuss shared priorities and the upcoming negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF): the EU’s roadmap for future investment. Page contents Page contents Greece------------------ STOP 1: Meeting with the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic (30 October) Commissioner Serafin began his visit with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion. The meeting focused on the next MFF, and the broader strategic direction of the EU budget.Greece’s recent economic recovery, supported by EU investments, makes it a strong partner in shaping a forward-looking budget that enhances competitiveness, cohesion, and resilience across the Union.The discussion centered specifically around the topics of the new own resources, the importance of simplication, the modernisation of the Cohesion policy, the Common Agriculture Policy, the European Competitiveness Fund, and the financing of European defence. You cannot even imagine how happy I am that today I can say, being in Athens, it’s good to be in Greece, in a country of economic success. I know how difficult period Greece went through, but you are a visible proof that structured reforms can really bring back growth and can ultimately guarantee a better future for our people. Link to the full statement STOP 2: Visiting the Piraeus Subway extension (30 October) How to get from Piraeus Cruise Port to AthensCommissioner Serafin continued his visit with the Piraeus Subway extension, where he was welcomed by the Alternate Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Konstantinos Kyranakis, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Nikolaos Tachiaos, CEO of Elliniko Metro S.A., Mr Nikos Kouretas, and the CEO of STASY S.A., Mr Athanassios Kottaras.The Piraeus Subway extension is a major project supported by €470 million from the EU Cohesion Fund. The extension of metro line 3 to the port of Piraeus has significantly improved daily life for thousands of Athenians and visitors, easing congestion, reducing emissions, and connecting one of Europe’s largest passenger ports with the wider metropolitan area. Suffice it to say that, thanks to this project, 132 000 passengers are now served daily, and 23 000 fewer private vehicles circulate every day. The project is a very good example of EU’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility, climate-friendly infrastructure, and improved accessibility for citizens. STOP 3: Engaging with the Elected Representatives of the Hellenic Parliament (30 October) In the afternoon, Commissioner Serafin met with members of the Committee on EU Affairs of the Hellenic Parliament to exchange views on the future EU Budget, key EU priorities and to deepen cooperation. Such dialogue is crucial at a time when the EU prepares to address new priorities, for example competitiveness, defence, and the green and digital transitions, while maintaining strong support for cohesion and agriculture.Members of Parliament shared a broad range of views with Commissioner Serafin. Several emphasised the need to balance support for security, agriculture, technology and innovation with continued strong funding for cohesion and social priorities. Some expressed concerns about overly centralised approaches, the impact of defence spending on other policies, and the future design of instruments such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Others highlighted the importance of addressing regional disparities, demographic and housing challenges, and ensuring transparency and conditionality in external funding. Overall, members stressed that the next MFF should remain balanced, fair, and responsive to both national and regional needs. STOP 4: Meeting with the Vice-President of the Hellenic Government (30 October) Thomas WolfLater that day, Commissioner Serafin met with Vice-President of the Hellenic Government, Konstantinos Chatzidakis. This meeting represented a key step in aligning national priorities with EU-wide goals, ensuring that the next long-term EU budget continues to deliver growth, fairness, and sustainability. Topics such as migration, defence, and public investment are central to making sure that Greece and the EU work hand in hand toward a stronger, more united Europe.Commissioner Serafin and the Vice- President had a constructive dialogue, engaging on the proposed package and expressing appreciation for the efforts to simplify and strengthen the funding framework. The Vice-President shared some considerations and questions regarding the overall funding levels, migration support, and regional access to funds, emphasising the importance of ensuring that the needs of all regions are taken into account. STOP 5: Visit to the Museum of Acropolis (30 October) Commissioner Serafin then visited the Acropolis Museum, a symbol of Greece’s cultural heritage and a prime example of EU investment in culture and innovation. Through the EU-funded National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2014 –2020 programme, the museum launched a €1.7 million digital project and benefited from €7.5 million for conservation and restoration through the “Attica” Operational Programme (2007 – 2013).The Acropolis Museum is a tangible example of how EU support strengthens Europe’s identity and global influence through culture. STOP 6: Meeting with the Minister of Finance, Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis (31 October) Deed - CC0 1.0 Universal - Creative CommonsDuring his last day in Athens, Commissioner Serafin met with Minister of Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis and the Alternate Minister at the Ministry of Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis to discuss how Greece can continue leveraging EU funds to stimulate growth, create quality jobs, and strengthen public finances.They talked about how to make investments more efficient, use funds more effectively, and make sure every euro spent makes a real difference. An essential conversation in view of the next long-term EU Budget.The National and Regional Partnership Plans were at the centre of the discussion, together with the potential benefits of incorporating reforms and performance-based delivery, security and protection of external borders. The Ministers also exchanged views on the Own Resources package, flexibility allocations, and environmental targets, highlighting the importance of finding a balanced approach that takes into account various priorities and considerations. Greece has known for decades what it means to be responsible for the protection of the external border. Only in the last few years the rest of the EU realised it. And the next MFF will reflect this. https://x.com/Piotr_Serafin/status/1984225664858558587
From 30 to 31 October, Commissioner Piotr Serafin travelled to Greece to see firsthand how EU support is helping to modernise transport, preserve culture, and boost innovation. The visit was a timely opportunity to discuss shared priorities and the upcoming negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF): the EU’s roadmap for future investment.
Commissioner Serafin began his visit with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Maximos Mansion. The meeting focused on the next MFF, and the broader strategic direction of the EU budget.Greece’s recent economic recovery, supported by EU investments, makes it a strong partner in shaping a forward-looking budget that enhances competitiveness, cohesion, and resilience across the Union.The discussion centered specifically around the topics of the new own resources, the importance of simplication, the modernisation of the Cohesion policy, the Common Agriculture Policy, the European Competitiveness Fund, and the financing of European defence.
How to get from Piraeus Cruise Port to AthensCommissioner Serafin continued his visit with the Piraeus Subway extension, where he was welcomed by the Alternate Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Konstantinos Kyranakis, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Nikolaos Tachiaos, CEO of Elliniko Metro S.A., Mr Nikos Kouretas, and the CEO of STASY S.A., Mr Athanassios Kottaras.The Piraeus Subway extension is a major project supported by €470 million from the EU Cohesion Fund. The extension of metro line 3 to the port of Piraeus has significantly improved daily life for thousands of Athenians and visitors, easing congestion, reducing emissions, and connecting one of Europe’s largest passenger ports with the wider metropolitan area. Suffice it to say that, thanks to this project, 132 000 passengers are now served daily, and 23 000 fewer private vehicles circulate every day. The project is a very good example of EU’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility, climate-friendly infrastructure, and improved accessibility for citizens.
In the afternoon, Commissioner Serafin met with members of the Committee on EU Affairs of the Hellenic Parliament to exchange views on the future EU Budget, key EU priorities and to deepen cooperation. Such dialogue is crucial at a time when the EU prepares to address new priorities, for example competitiveness, defence, and the green and digital transitions, while maintaining strong support for cohesion and agriculture.Members of Parliament shared a broad range of views with Commissioner Serafin. Several emphasised the need to balance support for security, agriculture, technology and innovation with continued strong funding for cohesion and social priorities. Some expressed concerns about overly centralised approaches, the impact of defence spending on other policies, and the future design of instruments such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Others highlighted the importance of addressing regional disparities, demographic and housing challenges, and ensuring transparency and conditionality in external funding. Overall, members stressed that the next MFF should remain balanced, fair, and responsive to both national and regional needs.
Thomas WolfLater that day, Commissioner Serafin met with Vice-President of the Hellenic Government, Konstantinos Chatzidakis. This meeting represented a key step in aligning national priorities with EU-wide goals, ensuring that the next long-term EU budget continues to deliver growth, fairness, and sustainability. Topics such as migration, defence, and public investment are central to making sure that Greece and the EU work hand in hand toward a stronger, more united Europe.Commissioner Serafin and the Vice- President had a constructive dialogue, engaging on the proposed package and expressing appreciation for the efforts to simplify and strengthen the funding framework. The Vice-President shared some considerations and questions regarding the overall funding levels, migration support, and regional access to funds, emphasising the importance of ensuring that the needs of all regions are taken into account.
Commissioner Serafin then visited the Acropolis Museum, a symbol of Greece’s cultural heritage and a prime example of EU investment in culture and innovation. Through the EU-funded National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2014 –2020 programme, the museum launched a €1.7 million digital project and benefited from €7.5 million for conservation and restoration through the “Attica” Operational Programme (2007 – 2013).The Acropolis Museum is a tangible example of how EU support strengthens Europe’s identity and global influence through culture.
Deed - CC0 1.0 Universal - Creative CommonsDuring his last day in Athens, Commissioner Serafin met with Minister of Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis and the Alternate Minister at the Ministry of Economy and Finance Nikos Papathanasis to discuss how Greece can continue leveraging EU funds to stimulate growth, create quality jobs, and strengthen public finances.They talked about how to make investments more efficient, use funds more effectively, and make sure every euro spent makes a real difference. An essential conversation in view of the next long-term EU Budget.The National and Regional Partnership Plans were at the centre of the discussion, together with the potential benefits of incorporating reforms and performance-based delivery, security and protection of external borders. The Ministers also exchanged views on the Own Resources package, flexibility allocations, and environmental targets, highlighting the importance of finding a balanced approach that takes into account various priorities and considerations.
