Minister Gilles Roth says Europe Must Send 'Strong Signal of Unity & Solidarity' at Brussels Meeting

On Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 March 2025, Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance, Gilles Roth, participated in the meetings of the Eurogroup and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Brussels.

As reported by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Finance, on Monday, at the Eurogroup meeting, finance ministers discussed the macroeconomic outlook for the eurozone and highlighted the challenges ahead regarding fiscal policy coordination. This discussion was followed by several key topics, including a follow-up to the February meeting of G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, as well as developments in crypto-asset markets and their implications for the eurozone and the European economy. The ministers also prepared for the upcoming Eurozone Summit in March.

On Tuesday, at the ECOFIN meeting, ministers continued their discussions on competitiveness and improving the business environment in Europe. They also reached an agreement on the proposed directive on tax cooperation (DAC 9). Moreover, the ministers discussed the economic and financial repercussions of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the financing of the defence effort. These discussions reportedly helped strengthen economic policy coordination and prepare for upcoming international meetings, particularly those of the G20 and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Following these meetings, Minister Roth said: "It is essential that Europe send a strong signal of unity and solidarity. Our security and defence require joint action and effort. It is in this spirit that we welcome the direction of the recent defence package presented by the European Commission."

SM