Greece's position in Europe

A key question that has plagued the Greek state since the beginning of its existence until today, is whether its position belongs to the West or the East.
Greek public opinion has been influenced by two mainly opposing views.
On the one hand, the supporters of the Great Idea and the anti-European ethnocentrism, support the view that Greece needs special treatment and the interaction with other states is a threat to its interests.
On the other hand, the supporters of the view that Greece belongs to the European ideal, based their arguments on the fact that the Westernization of Greece is related to the return of the political culture that was 'born' in Ancient Athens.
In this view, the solidarity between the states, the defense of the democratic processes and the liberal bases on which the European ‘edifice’ is based come, in essence, from the ancient Greek culture.
The latter view finally prevailed in the minds of the Greeks and was a strong trigger for Greece's entry into the European family.
 
In reality, however, modern society did not resemble anything in antiquity and the legacy of history only contributed to the strengthening of national pride and the formation of the belief that Greece is a special case and needs special treatment.
 
 
During the period 2009-2018, Greece has been characterized as the most favored country in the European Union. It was granted the largest Community loans, NSRF programs, grants, grants, participation in development projects, the largest haircut in the history of states (PSI), extension of debt repayment from 11 years to 30 and 10 years grace period.
 
Greece borrowed 110 billion at an interest rate of 4.8% (memorandum A) and another 130 billion (memorandum B) at an interest rate of 3.6% when the same countries lend to Italy and Spain at 6%. Nevertheless, he failed to avoid the grave consequences of the financial crisis.
In terms of its position in international markets, from its accession until 2009, Greece maintained its competitiveness through external loans. As the WallStreet crisis spread to Europe, its countries stopped lending at the same rate.
 
This resulted in, among other things, the reduction of the competitiveness of Greek products and the exit of Greece from the international markets.