Former President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopios Pavlopoulos, highlighted the potential of Komvos-Node in addressing both the current and future challenges facing Greece and the European Union. He delivered his remarks to the members of the organization during the opening of the 3rd Town Hall meeting. 

The 3rd Town Hall meeting of Komvos-Node took place on May 21, 2022. Mr. Pavlopoulos, one of the honorary presidents of Komvos-Node, made a brief but significant intervention, discussing the international context, the economic and other consequences of the Russian invasion, which are affecting the European Union, Greece, the Greek people, and, most importantly, the economically vulnerable citizens. 

Mr. Pavlopoulos also expressed his belief that the human resources of Komvos-Node, with the high scientific level and international prestige of its members, are in a position to offer valuable contributions, not only to Greece but also to the European Union, both in the long and short term. 

Below is the full text of the speech by the former President of the Hellenic Republic: 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

This brief intervention of mine aims to demonstrate how, in the current dire international circumstances, the role of Komvos-Node can prove decisive for our Homeland and for the European Union in general, if we all sincerely believe in it. 

The Russian barbarity in Ukraine has unfortunately proven that the economic – and many other – consequences, primarily for the European Union, are already painful. And as the Russian invasion continues, in violation of all concepts of International Law – and likely will last for a long time, although I hope to be proven wrong – these effects will worsen. This situation strikes Greece, the Greek people, and primarily the economically weaker citizens, and will strike even harder. 

Unfortunately, and especially regarding the major energy issue, which is crucial for the European economy, the European Union and its competent bodies, such as the European Council and the European Commission, appeared surprised and unprepared. As a result, the cost, both for the European economy and for the European Union’s own prestige, is very high, with consequences for the future of European integration and completion, as well as for the future of each Member State. 

The human resources of Komvos-Node, with their high scientific level and international scientific prestige, can offer a great deal to the European Union and, consequently, to our Homeland, with positions and programs capable of addressing this crisis not only in the medium and long-term, but also in the short-term. I am primarily referring to positions and programs that can harmoniously combine the strictly economic data with the relevant issues, considering the multifaceted nature of the crisis, such as Energy, Climate Change, the Food Chain, and overall stable and sustainable Development in critical areas. 

All of the above can be placed at the service of the relevant bodies of the European Union and Greece, aiming not only to address the current deep crisis and its consequences, but also to lay the foundation for the European Union to acquire the necessary reflexes in the face of the urgent need to defend European integration and completion, on the one hand, and on the other hand, to avoid being under the syndrome of Epimetheus and the “Epimenidean Sleep” in the future. 

I have nothing more to add, given that many of you, certainly more qualified than me, will express your opinions in a specific and properly substantiated manner. 

With my warmest regards, 

Prokopios Pavlopoulos