Levels of trust and social tension in society, particularly between people of different socio-economic situations and backgrounds, were high on the agenda during the visit of George Katrougkalos, Greek Minister of State for European Affairs, to Eurofound in Dublin on Thursday 5 April. In recent years people in a number of European countries have reported declining levels of trust, both in relation to institutions and broader society. There has also been increases in perceived levels of inequality in a number of Member States.
Eurofound’s European Quality of Life Survey 2016 provided a good background for the discussions, allowing for comparisons between people in Greece and other Member States in the European Union. Convergence in the European Union was another issue which was emphasised during the visit. The European Union is committed to economic, social and territorial cohesion, balanced economic growth and upward economic convergence. Focusing on convergence of outcomes and performances of Member States and regions, Eurofound monitors convergence among Member States relating to socioeconomic factors, employment, working conditions and living conditions.
Minister Katrougkalos met with Juan Menendez-Valdés, Director of Eurofound, Stavroula Demetriades, Senior Research Manager, and Mary McCaughey, Eurofound’s Head of Information and Communication. Minister Katrougkalos was accompanied by Ms Katia Georgiou, Greek Ambassador to Ireland, Ms Maria Lentoudi, Minister’s Adviser, and Avgi Katrougkalou.
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