Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 15/01/2016 - Main results
Growth prospects and macroeconomic imbalances
The Council discussed growth prospects and macroeconomic imbalances under the "European Semester", the EU's annual policy coordination process.
It adopted conclusions, and approved a draft recommendation on the economic policies of the euro area.
The policy priorities for 2016 are investment, structural reforms and responsible fiscal policies. Regarding macroeconomic imbalances, the Commission is due to publish in-depth reviews in February of the situation in 18 member states.
The Council broadly agreed with the analysis and priorities set by the Commission in its annual growth survey. "Moreover we intend to strengthen and streamline the European Semester, as proposed by the Commission, so as to stimulate implementation of country-specific recommendations", said Jeroen Dijsselbloem, minister for finance of the Netherlands and president of the Council.
Meeting information
Indicative programme - Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 15/01/2016
Provisional agenda, Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 15 January 2016
List of A items, legislative activities, Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 15 January 2016
List of A items, non-legislative activities, Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 15 January 2016
The draft recommendation for the euro area will be referred to the European Council in February, with a view to adoption in March. The 2016 European Semester will conclude with country-specific recommendations in July.
"We want to create the optimal conditions for lasting economic growth and prosperity in the EU, and for making the eurozone resistant to shocks"
Jeroen Dijsselbloem, minister for finance of the Netherlands and president of the Council
Presidency programme
The Council discussed the Netherlands presidency work programme.
The presidency's priorities include:
strengthening the EU's banking union;
developing an EU capital markets union;
strengthening and streamlining the European Semester policy coordination process;
promoting promote action against tax evasion and tax avoidance.
Amongst other objectives to be pursued, the Council will continue work on further strengthening the EU's economic and monetary union.
Live streaming, videos and photos
Live streaming of public sessions and press events
Photos and videos from the meeting, Economic and Financial Affairs Council, 15 January 2016