Preparation of the Eurogroup and ECOFIN meetings, 9-10 October 2017

Vice-President Dombrovskis and Commissioner Moscovici will represent the European Commission at today’s Eurogroup and tomorrow’s ECOFIN meetings. The Eurogroup agenda includes an exchange of views on the role of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) in the context of the ongoing broader debate on the future of the Economic and Monetary Union. The Commission, the European Central Bank and the European Stability Mechanism will inform ministers of the main findings of the sixth post-programme surveillance mission to Portugal. Ministers will take stock of recent exchange rate developments ahead of the annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. There will also be a discussion on how best to finance labour tax cuts to boost jobs and growth. Commissioner Moscovici will participate in the press conference following the meeting. At tomorrow’s ECOFIN, ministers will discuss the issue of taxation of the digital economy following the Commission’s Communication on the subject in September. The Commission will present its latest proposals for far-reaching reform of the EU VAT system. The Council is also expected to formally adopt the Commission’s proposal to improve dispute resolution on taxation issues for businesses and citizens in the EU. Vice-President Dombrovskis will participate in the press conference following the ECOFIN.