My thanks also are going to the discussants, chairpersons and participants for their personal contributions, which were enlightening and ensured that this conference was a success. Let me also express my deep gratitude to all the staff of the ECB that has been involved in the organisation of the conference. Dear friends, I wish you all a safe trip back home.
The Greek economic scene has also been transformed thanks to the advantages derived from euro area membership, including the stable macroeconomic environment and low interest rates. The Olympic Games hosted in Athens in 2004 contributed, in turn, to creating a favourable environment for growth. However, liberalisation and privatisations, as well as a reinvigorated private entrepreneurial spirit, have been the principal growth-driving forces.