Eurogroup, 01/04/2014, 1 April 2014

Eurogroup endorses positive Greek programme review 

The Eurogroup welcomed Greece's improved fiscal position and its commitment to structural reform following the fourth review of the Greek economic adjustment programme. 

Ministers welcomed the positive conclusion of the fourth Greek programme review. The country's fiscal performance is on track to meet programme targets. Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem emphasised the importance of far reaching reforms that would "enhance Greece's growth potential, create job opportunities and spur on investment".

Once the reforms are complete, €8.3 billion will be made available from the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF). It will be disbursed in several payments, the first of which is expected before Greece's next debt servicing obligations fall due in May.

The Eurogroup expressed its support for the Greek authorities' work on a comprehensive growth strategy. This will complement the actions taken under the Greek programme and aim to ensure that funding from international institutions is allocated as effectively as possible.

Luxembourg budget fully compliant with Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) rules

Last November Eurogroup ministers gave careful scrutiny to their draft budgetary plans, with the exception of those from member states that were in the process of forming a government.

The Eurogroup has now turned its attention to those countries' updated plans and their consistency with SGP obligations. Luxembourg was deemed fully compliant. The updated plans for Germany and Austria will be considered in the coming months.

Economic adjustment programme for Portugal: state of play

The Eurogroup took stock of the implementation of Portugal's economic adjustment programme. The programme remains on track and the fiscal deficit target for 2013 was achieved comfortably. The Eurogroup will discuss Portugal's exit strategy in May once the final review mission has been concluded.

The next Eurogroup meeting will be held on 5 May 2014.

• Photos and videos of the Eurogroup meeting, 1 April 2014