Supporting the scope and objectives of Greece's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Whereas Greece holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2014; Whereas the rotating European Union Presidency offers member states the opportunity to showcase their vision for the European Union, to advance the Union's ongoing work agenda, influence European Union policy and legislation, and broaden the understanding of the European Union amongst the citizens of their country; Whereas the European Union has established an area of freedom, security, and justice, extending stability and peace to the European continent and its neighbors; Whereas the United States has supported the European integration process and has consistently supported the objective of European unity and the enlargement of the European Union as a vehicle for prosperity, peace, and democracy; Whereas the Government of Greece has prioritized growth, job creation, European Union and Eurozone integration, as well as borders, mobility, migration, and integrated European Union Maritime Policy as the main areas of focus for the Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union; Whereas the United States and the European Union are each other's largest trading and investment partners, responsible for creating up to an estimated 14,000,000 jobs on both sides of the Atlantic, and as such major stakeholders in each other's economic recoveries; Whereas the Greek Presidency aims at reinforcing efforts that should be focused on reforms aiming at safeguarding stability and revitalizing growth; Whereas the Greek Presidency aims at promoting synergies in sectors that create jobs such as transport, shipping, tourism, innovation; Whereas Greece is a strategic partner and ally of the United States in bringing political stability and economic development; Whereas Greece continues to play an important role in the wider European region, including the Eastern Mediterranean; Whereas Greece, as a traditional maritime country, acknowledges the great potential and opportunity that marine and maritime activities hold for the European Union economy as a whole, especially in the areas of security and energy; Whereas it is in the national interest of the United States to support and enhance Europe’s energy security; Whereas the Governments of Greece and the United States are at the forefront of efforts to advance freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and respect for human rights; and Whereas the Hellenic values and principles of Greek-Americans have contributed greatly to United States society, history, and politics: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the scope and objectives of Greece's Presidency of the Council of the European Union; (2) encourages the continuation of United States–European Union trade and investment negotiations that will benefit both United States and European workers alike; (3) promotes increased transatlantic exchanges and dialogue to further benefit from existing cultural ties and research and development partnerships, in the maritime area where a transatlantic research alliance could underpin the development of the strong growth and jobs potential of shared ocean resources, a so-called blue growth strategy; (4) affirms the strong bonds and common values between the United States and Greece; and (5) acknowledges the lasting contributions of Greek-Americans to the United States.

Summary: Supports the scope and objectives of Greece's Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). Encourages U.S.-EU trade and investment negotiations that will benefit U.S. and European workers. Promotes increased transatlantic exchanges to further benefit from existing cultural ties and research and development partnerships in the maritime area. Affirms the strong bonds between the United States and Greece. Acknowledges the contributions of Greek-Americans to the United States.