European Commission vice-president and commissioner for industry and entrepreneurship Antonio Tajani voiced strong support for Greece, addressing a conference on "Growth in Greece: SMEs and Entrepreneurship in the 'Europe 2020' Strategy" organised in Athens on Friday by the European Commission.

He said that Greece is not alone, and that after the period of sacrifices will come growth. "We cannot imagine Europe without Greece, the euro without Greece. Everyone in Europe is Greek. I am here to reaffirm the support for the Greek people and the Greek government and to thank the Greek people for the sacrifices they are making," Tajani said.

As for what needs to be done, the Commissioner stressed the need to solve issues of access to financing, to place emphasis on growth, tourism and boosting exports and research and innovation.

He further proposed the evolution of the European Central Bank (ECB) along the model of the US central bank, the FED, and also the introduction of new rules for the Rating Agencies.

At a press conference later, to a question on the upcoming general elections, Tajani said that "the Greeks are free to choose the political leadership they prefer. Democracy is always sovereign, and the EU is steadfastly at Greece's side to assist its course to an exit from the crisis.

"I have great confidence in Greece that it will come out of the crisis. Greece is in Europe and we want Greece to stay in Europe. At this phase Greece is not alone, however we do not interfere in its internal politics".

To a press question, Tajani said he is personally in favour of the creation of a United Europe along the model of the USA, with a single currency, a single policy, single economic policy and a European Central Bank modeled on the FED.

On the Lisbon strategy, Tajani admitted that the targets were not achieved but added that they could be attained by 2020 with an updating of the plan.

On reduction of the labour cost, he said that Greece must make and is indeed making sacrifices, as other countries are also obliged to make, adding that these sacrifices were and are necessary. He clarified, however, that reduction of the labour cost does not mean only salary cuts, but also reduction of the production costs and employer contributions, and other elements.

Tajani further emphasised the fact that representatives of the European industry were in Greece on Friday to discuss cooperation prospects while, on the sectors in which the growth discussion should focus, he particularly singled out tourism and agrotourism, noting that growth of those sectors will bring collaborations in other branches as well.

The target, he added, is to especially boost the SMEs in the tourism sector, noting that emphasis should be placed on facilitating the tourist flow from Russia and China.