Eurogroup, 09/03/2015, 9 March 2015

Main results

Draft budgetary plans

The Eurogroup discussed the updated information on the draft budgetary plans. Last December 7 euro area countries' draft budgetary plans were considered to be at risk of non-compliance with the requirements of the Stability and Growth Pact. 

"I welcome that again all member states have made firm commitments to do what is needed in 2015 to fully respect the Stability and Growth Pact." 

Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem

In its statement the Eurogroup noted that the  situation improved in Belgium, Malta and Italy and to some extent in Spain and Portugal over the past three months. Eurogroup welcomed the commitment by Austria and France to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance with the Pact.

• Eurogroup statement on follow-up to the 8 December Eurogroup statement on draft budgetary plans
• Remarks by Jeroen Dijsselbloem at the press conference following the Eurogroup meeting of 9 March 2015
• Photos and videos of the Eurogroup meeting, 9 March 2015

Greece

The Eurogroup discussed the current review of the Greece's commitments under the existing arrangement. Ministers agreed that Greece and the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund would begin discussions on Wednesday (11 March), in Brussels. 

Technical teams from the institutions will be welcome in Athens to support this process.

Cyprus

The Eurogroup called on Cypriot decision-makers to implement the foreclosure framework, which would help Cyprus' banks clear their balance sheets and improve lending to the economy. It is one of the requirements that would put the Cypriot programme back on track. 

Services sector reform 

Ministers discussed the reform of the services sector in the euro area. A number of ministers shared their national experiences of liberalising the service sector and improving its efficiency.  The Eurogroup will come back to this discussion in the second half of the year. 

• Draft budgetary plans of euro area member states
• Stability and Growth Pact