Europese ministers van financiën bespreken exit strategie voor staatssteun aan financiële sector tijdens ECOFIN-raad op 10 november (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Zweeds voorzitterschap Europese Unie 2e helft 2009 i, gepubliceerd op vrijdag 6 november 2009.

On 10 November, EU finance ministers will meet to discuss the sustainability of public finances, the principles for phasing out support to the financial sector and a number of tax issues.

Conclusions on the sustainability of public finances

Owing to the economic and financial crisis, public finances in EU Member States have deteriorated sharply. Furthermore, with an ageing population, costs will increase in a number of areas. The finance ministers will adopt conclusions based on the Commission's recently published Sustainability Report on the long-term sustainability of public finances in EU Member States. The conclusions will emphasise the measures necessary to reverse the negative trend in public finances. The Commission points to three areas - reducing the budget deficit and debt levels, increasing employment and reforming the welfare systems.

Opening discussions on exit strategies for the financial markets

When the financial crisis hit, governments in EU Member States took a number of measures (guarantee schemes, etc.) to safeguard stability in the financial markets. Even though it is too early to phase these out, it is nevertheless time for Member States to start discussing the issue. The finance ministers will therefore have a first discussion on the phase-out principles and agree on the process going forward.

Discussion on tax proposals for better health

Finance ministers will discuss several tax proposals. Regarding proposed revisions to the Tobacco Tax Directive, finance ministers will agree on structures and tax rates for the excise duties on tobacco products. The proposal gives Member States more leeway in applying a tax per item and charging a minimum rate for the excise duty on cigarettes to achieve health objectives

Conclusions on rule simplification and reduced administrative burdens

The Commission will present its most recent forecast in connection with this meeting. Finance ministers will also adopt conclusions on rule simplification and reduction of administrative burdens.