Greece assumes the Presidency of the European Union at a crucial and decisive moment.

Enlargement, with the accession of ten new countries, including the Republic of Cyprus, forms a new reality. At the same time, the process for the institutional reform is under way. The vision for an institutional evolution of the E.U. from a loose affliliation of countries with a Common Market towards a strong federal political and economic entity, creates new hopes and perspectives. Our country is invited to deal with issues of great political importance, that not only concern the current, but also the strategic policies of the European Union, which will determine the future of Europe and its position in a rapidly changing international environment. It also aspires to a new prosperity and better quality of life for European citizens, which goes through real development and is not restricted to economic growth alone. It combines the fair distribution of wealth, social cohesion, protection of the environment, establishment of the European Knowledge Society and participation of the European Citizen.

This is sustainable growth and it will be achieved via policies of integrated democratic function in the areas of economy, society, culture and environment.

In this special issue we present the goals of the Ministry of Development for the Greek Presidency, since it is our firm belief that the citizens do not only have to be aware of, but also participate in the formation the European Policy.

Therefore, we reduced the distance between the European Citizens in the 15 European decision-making centers. During the months of the Greek Presidency we aspire to communicate with the citizens, inform them of our goals and suggestions, make them embrace and participate in our actions.

This special issue, which concers our priorities and goals on economic growth, social cohension, the environment, the role of SMEs, the opening-up of markets, energy, tourism, information society, strengthening of the internal market etc., is our first step.
Many more steps will follow, which we will take together...