In 1951, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the Federal Republic of Germany and Italy founded the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). In 1957 the six founding countries decided to further integrate fields of politics by forming the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and the successor of the ECSC the European Economic Community (EEC). Greece became a member of the EEC in 1981 in a second round of accession.

The Hellenic Republic had many reasons to join the community. Firstly, Greece had just overcome a dictatorship and saw the EEC as a stabilizing body for its newfound democracy. Secondly, the Hellenic Republic did this important step to secure its position in the international community. After the Turkish invasion on Cyprus in 1974 Greece feared further tensions and wanted to ensure its independence by joining the Community. Moreover, Greece hoped to profit in economical terms as well. A last reason for Greece to ask for accession was the wish to contribute and have part in the future integration of a closer European Community.

The Hellenic membership in the European Union (earlier EEC) may be divided into three periods:

1. Period (1981 – 1985): Greece tried to avoid several fields of integration having doubts that the results of further integration would be fruitful for the country. Greece demanded more financial aid for its backward economy and submitted a Memorandum to diverge from the implementation of Community policies. The EEC responded providing further subsidies but rejecting the latter.
2. Period (1986 – 1995): Gradual change toward the ECC occurred. Greece started to show its support for certain fields of integration. Moreover, Greece contributed to strengthen the Commission and the Parliament and helped developing a joint foreign policy and stabilization policy.
3. Period (1996 – now) Greece’s politic clearly in favor of all forms of integration. Greece now tries to converge to the set aims of the Maastricht Treaty. Member of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and has the Euro. The framework within the EU contributes to Greece’s development in the economy and in the society.

Greece’s activities in the European Union

Greece’s foreign and security policy

Above all, geographical conditions determine Greece’s motivations and behavior on an international level and within the European Union: The Greek territory includes thousands of islands, a challenge to both police and other security institutions. Furthermore, through its closest neighbors, Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Greece is directly involved in ethnic and religious struggles on the Balkans. Bulgaria as third neighbor candidates for membership of the European Union in 2007. This candidature contributes to the Greek desire for safety whereas the most controversial issue in Greek foreign policy ever remains unsolved: The neighborhood to Turkey still constitutes the most difficult foreign relationship.
A different aspect is the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and, therefore, the threat of illegal immigrants from North Africa. Dangerous and problematic developments in the Middle East or increasing migration pressure from Asia could menace Greece’s safety, too.
To conclude, the Hellenic Republic can be viewed as a gateway country that, on the one side, symbolizes an ideal destination for refugees and migrants. On the other side, geographical determinants attract smugglers and offer several opportunities for trafficking in people. Generally, such criminal activities and their concomitant phenomenons threaten Greece’s welfare and security tremendously.

International Relations

Generally spoken, the Greek priorities contain security as the most important issue: As the only member of the European Union (EU) in Southeastern Europe and its responsibility in security matters through its membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Greece stands out viewing the Southeastern part of Europe. Hence, Greece contributes to the UN deployment in Bosnia (Stabilization Force, SFOR) and takes part in the two NATO missions in Kosovo (Kosovo Force, KFOR) and Macedonia.
Nevertheless, Greek influence in international relations is still restricted to the Balkan region and the Aegean Sea although its powerful merchant marine and the effects of Greek Diaspora offer significant opportunities within multilateral negotiations and lobbying.

General EU politics

Also within the framework of the EU, the Hellenic Republic pursues a policy towards more regional stability and judicial or financial support: For example, the EU’s enlargement and the implementation of the Draft Constitution belong to one essential goal of Greece within the multilateral framework of the EU. Besides, the coincidence that the accession treaties were signed under Greek EU presidency lent glory and splendor to Greece that is unofficially considered to be the poorhouse of the European Union.
Greek preferences are set in a powerful Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) implying a common European defense system with military options, research, development, and technology.
But inspiring unity and common foreign policy should go further: The Greek government permanently points out that the burden of illegal immigration, money laundering, drug smuggling and the need to reform asylum laws should be shared by all EU members.
Apart from that, Greece dependence from its most powerful economic sectors, tourism and agriculture, dominate internal EU policies, too: Particularly, air pollution and the threat of chemical substances polluting the Mediterranean Sea are of utmost importance.
Greek preferences regarding the agricultural branch contain high standards and efficient control in order to ensure the well-being of consumers, workers, and producers. By the way, with the help of quality standards on the European market and the EU’s subsidizing system, Greek products benefit from significant advantages compared to external competitors.