Finance Minister Makis Keravnos will travel to Brussels on Sunday, 8 March, to participate in the Eurogroup meetingon 9 March and to chair the ECOFIN Council on 10 March.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, Monday’s Eurogroup meeting will begin with an exchange of views on the latest macroeconomic developments in the eurozone. Ministers will then examine Belgium’s draft budget for 2026, on which a relevant statement is expected to be adopted.
Discussions on digital finance and energy prices
In an extended session involving all EU member states, ministers will exchange views on the expected benefits of developing digital finance solutions for European capital markets and the wider economy.
They will also discuss the impact of fluctuations in energy prices on the eurozone economy, in light of current geopolitical developments.
The President of the Eurogroup, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, will also brief ministers on preparations for the upcoming Eurozone Summit scheduled for 20 March.
ECOFIN Council under Cyprus presidency
On Tuesday, 10 March, Keravnos will chair the ECOFIN Council.
Proceedings will begin with a working breakfast during which ministers will discuss current economic developments.
During the formal session, finance ministers will hold a policy orientation debate on a package of proposals aimed at further developing financial infrastructure and strengthening supervision of capital markets within the European Union.
The legislative package seeks to deepen the single market in financial services, which is expected to contribute to improving the competitiveness of the European economy.
Additional economic and international discussions
Ministers will also exchange views on the economic and fiscal impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The ECOFIN Council is also expected to approve the revised Recovery and Resilience Plan of Estonia, as well as Ireland’s medium-term fiscal and structural plan.
Finally, ministers will discuss the EU’s main positions ahead of the upcoming meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund, scheduled for April.
Macroeconomic dialogue with social partners
On the morning of Monday, 9 March, Keravnos will chair the Macroeconomic Dialogue with social partners, an annual meeting held each March.
The meeting will focus on the current economic developments and outlook of the European economy. Participants will also exchange views on the opportunities and challenges arising from the integration of artificial intelligence into the labour market.