These are largely consequences of the geographical and geostrategic position of the Greek state.
There are other courses of action as well which influence both the EU and Greece which result from Greece's position. Given the proximity of the state towards Africa through the Mediterranean Sea, Greece has an important access to the Middle East. In this sense, it fosters relations both with Israel, as well as with the Arab countries. On this issue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs points out that "in respect of the Mediterranean countries of Europe these relations fall within, and are largely dictated by, the political, economic and legal framework of the European Union." (2008) Under these general guidelines Greece established the Mediterranean Forum in 1994 and is working in close cooperation with the European Union in the Euro Mediterranean partnership. This aspect is important because it offers a sense of multiple dimensions to the Greek initiatives to maintain strong relations with the North African region as well as the Middle East.
Despite the involvement of Greece in the partnership it is rather hard to identify precisely the actual initiatives Greece had in this environment. Indeed its position represents an important linkage point particularly because it stands at the juncture of major routes of political debate, economic interests, and cultural perspectives. Nonetheless, there are no particular guidelines to provide a coherent and innovative position for Greece. In this sense, the role of Greece is pointed out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in rather general terms. Thus, "Greece attaches particular importance to the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, with its common goals of peace, security and prosperity for the region. Of course these relations are influenced, but not dominated, by developments and tensions in the Palestinian issue" (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2008). These set of guidelines are as ideal as they are general.
In terms of the pressures the position of Greece puts on the ongoing political development of the state, it can be said that Greece has by no means different problems than other states from the European Union concerning the North African and Middle East regions. Thus, the problems with immigration Greece has are similar to those of Spain, Portugal or even Germany. More precisely, "Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece have changed from traditional emigration countries into immigration countries, while tradition migratory "duos" such as Algeria and France or the Commonwealth and the United Kingdom, which are based on colonial links, are tending to split up" (Yazami, 1997). Therefore, it is rather hard to identify an individual stand regarding the Euro Mediterranean Partnership for Greece. Nonetheless, the simple fact that Greece is encountering these problems is a direct result of the position it has in the region and in the European Union.
The position of Greece however has an important economic dimension. Due to the fact that it stands at the "geographical, commercial and cultural crossroads between Asia, Middle East and Europe" Greece benefits from any possible trade routes, as well as energy supplies. At the same time, given the new priorities of the EU concerning energy supplies the role of Greece will only increase in time. In this sense, there are several projects which will include the country in the routes for oil and gas. More precisely, some strategies focus on the consideration of Greece as "a regional or interregional supply corridor, such as the Burgas - Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, the Central Asia (Turkmenistan) / Iran-to-Europe gas pipelines (Southern Route), the Kavala LNG export terminal." (World Energy Council, 2007)
The projects which have in mind the transportation through Greece represent an important aspect of strengthening the relations...
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