The City of London visits Greece for pre-Presidency meetings
The Lord Mayor of the City of London and the City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman visit Athens
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Fiona Woolf CBE, and the City of London Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Mark Boleat, will be in Athens for a 2-day visit on 25 and 26 November in the framework of preparations ahead of the Greek Presidency of the EU.
During their visit the Lord Mayor and the Policy Chairman will have the opportunity to meet Government Ministers, high-level policy makers, bankers and shipping and financial services representatives. They will discuss the priorities of the Greek Presidency agenda and will share the City’s views on the UK’s position in Europe and the reforms needed in the EU.
A significant aspect of their visit will be maritime and shipping; the City of London is the world leader in maritime services and the first choice for Greek ship owners as regards insurance, brokerage, legal and financial services. Lord Mayor Fiona Woolf said:
“The City of London fully recognises how vital European partnership is to our continuing success and future prosperity. It is important to understand what agenda Greece will be pursuing over the course of the European Presidency and to feed in the City’s thoughts on EU regulation before it takes office. We look forward to working together with the Greek Presidency to deliver the jobs and growth required across Europe.”
Mark Boleat, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, added:
As Europe’s leading financial centre, London’s success brings benefits to the rest of the continent and vice versa. That is why the City must engage with Europe and work together with the Greek Presidency to address areas of uncertainty including key regulatory developments – such as MIFID – as well as the ongoing European Banking Union developments. Strengthening the Single Market by promoting open markets and trade is vital to driving the European economy forward.
The British Ambassador John Kittmer said:
The City of London leads from the front. It offers unparalleled services for investors and businesses from all over the world. The Greek shipping community is already fully familiar with the advantages of doing business in the City, and has trusted the City of London for decades. My team and I are delighted to have the opportunity to host the City of London visit; it demonstrates the City’s commitment to influencing the EU debate about financial services, and the City’s willingness to working closely with the forthcoming Greek Presidency.
Supporting UK businesses in Greece and attracting Greek investment in the UK are two very important areas of work for the British Embassy in Athens. In meeting these objectives we not only contribute to Britain’s prosperity but also play a crucial role in support of Greece’s growth and economic recovery.
Note to editors
About the City of London Corporation
The City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the ‘Square Mile’. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles: 1. supports London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills projects. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charity City Bridge Trust makes grants of more than £15 million annually to charitable projects across London and we also support education with three independent schools, three City Academies, a primary school and the world-renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama. 2. helps look after key London heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important ‘commons’ in south London. 3. And supports and promotes the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events, research-driven policies all reflecting a long-term approach.
See cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.