Jacques Delors: Greece should have joined the euro in 2004, not 2001

The "father of Europe", as he has been described due to his beliefs and vision for the European Union, Jacques Delors, said in an interview with "Kathimerini" newspaper, that the current situation in Greece has come because of its governments. "When a government acts foolishly, unfortunately this brings a price, which ultimately is paid by the people."
 
He stated that he does not regret the inclusion of Greece in the Eurozone, although if it was in his hand, would have suggested its integration two or three years later. "Greece should start strengthening its economic presence in terms of competitiveness, in order to be able to resist the intense competition within the Eurozone," he explains.
 
About the future of the Eurozone, the former president of the European Commission (1985-1994) says that "EMU must stand on its two legs, economy and currency, in order to correct the malfunction of the original shape and anoint a real economic and monetary governance."
 
Asked about whether Greece, and on the occasion of its EU presidency, has credibility on the European stage, Delors said he is a "victim", like other Europeans, of "the statistics made in Greece and, therefore, had to revise the economic data of 2004 and 2009." However, he adds that since then Greece has made significant efforts and its people are facing a very difficult period. "By today's standards I think Greece is quite capable of ensuring the six-month presidency, relying on its prestige, rather than the ability of its leaders."
 
Lastly, he believes the recovery of the country is a "dosage issue. I have the impression that the worst has been avoided, but let’s not prejudge the future, whoever lives will see it."