Finance Minister in Brussels for Eurogroup/Ecofin meetings

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos is set to take part in the Eurogroup and Ecofin Council discussions scheduled for 10 and 11 March in Brussels.

According to a press release from the Ministry, on Monday, 10 March, the Finance Minister will engage in the Macroeconomic Dialogue, which will include representatives from European confederations of social partners, European institutions, and the current EU Council Presidency, along with the upcoming presidencies of Denmark and Cyprus.

This meeting will focus on examining current economic developments and discussing the challenges facing the completion of the single market in the services sector.

Later, Minister Keravnos will attend the Eurogroup meeting, where officials will be updated by European institutions on recent macroeconomic trends and future prospects in light of ongoing geopolitical changes. This session will also involve discussions on fiscal policy coordination within the eurozone.

On Tuesday, 11 March, the Ecofin Council will convene, where Ministers will deliberate on ways to simplify and enhance the business environment in Europe, based on recent proposals from the European Commission. These proposals aim to streamline EU regulations, boost competitiveness, and unlock additional resources for investment.

Ministers will also assess the economic and financial repercussions of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, focusing on the implementation of sanctions and their practical implications in customs matters.

The Council aims to achieve a political agreement on the Directive on Administrative Cooperation in the Field of Taxation (DAC9).

The DAC9 proposal is closely associated with the 2022 Pillar 2 Directive, which seeks to ensure a global minimum tax level for multinational enterprise groups (MNEs) and large-scale domestic groups (LSDGs) within the EU.

On Monday evening, the Ministers will participate in an informal working dinner, organized by the Polish Presidency, where they will discuss the outcomes of the extraordinary Summit held on March 6, along with financing options to address increasing defence needs.

(Source: CNA)