The presentation of the Greek presidency work programme, the state of play on the implementation of the Single Supervisory Mechanism, the implementation of the Compact for Growth and Jobs in the follow-up to the European Council of 19-20 December 2013, as well as the implementation of the Stability and Growth Pact were the topics of the first Economic and Financial Affairs Council Meeting (Ecofin) meeting of the year, on January 28 in Brussels – the first chaired by Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras under the Greek presidency.

At a news conference following the Ecofin in Brussels, Stournaras said: “We will do our best to achieve as much as possible,” adding that the next two Ecofin meetings in February and March will be crucial and noting that the Greek EU presidency was ready to discuss all pending issues with the European Parliament. Furthermore, deepening of the EMU and the reinforcement of citizens’ and investors’ confidence by fighting tax fraud and tax evasion were also highlighted by the finance minister.

He referred in particular to the top priorities of the Greek presidency, such as the Banking Union, the increase of liquidity in the European economy, SMEs’ facilitation of access to financing, as well as the safeguarding of the financial stability. He also stressed the need to continue actions at European level towards combating tax fraud and tax evasion.

See also ECOFIN Press Release (28.01.2014) and Introductory Remarks by Stournaras at Press Conference