Eurogroup, 22/01/2018, 22 January 2018

Main results

Greece's programme: state of play

The Eurogroup reached a political agreement on the third review of Greece's economic adjustment programme, as the Greek authorities have implemented nearly all required reforms under this review.

The agreement enables the Eurogroup Working Group and the governing bodies of the European Stability Mechanism to take the steps necessary for the disbursement of the next tranche, once the few remaining conditions have been fully completed. A first disbursement is foreseen for February, a second one in spring.

The Eurogroup issued a statement.

• Eurogroup statement on Greece (22/1/2018)
• Greece: the third economic adjustment programme (background information)

Appointment of the new President of the Eurogroup Working Group

The Eurogroup appointed Hans Vijlbrief as the new President of the Eurogroup Working Group, for a term of two years. Vijlbrief will succeed Thomas Wieser, who has been presiding over the group since January 2012.

• Hans Vijlbrief appointed President of the Eurogroup working group (press release, 22/1/2018)
• Hans Vijlbrief

Appointment of the Vice-President of the ECB

The Eurogroup President initiated the procedure for the appointment of a new Vice-President of the European Central Bank with a call for candidacies. The term of the incumbent, Vítor Constâncio, ends on 31 May.

Economic and Monetary Union

Following the Euro Summit which took place on 15 December 2017, the ministers held a follow-up discussion on the further steps towards deepening of the EMU.

• Euro Summit, 15 December 2017

European Semester: 2018 euro area recommendation

The Eurogroup discussed the draft Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area for 2018, issued in the context of the European Semester, the EU's policy coordination mechanism. 

The draft recommendation will be approved by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council on 23 January. It will be formally adopted by the Council after endorsement at the March European Council.

• Recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area
• European Semester in 2018 (background information)

Post-programme surveillance mission to Portugal

The Eurogroup was informed about the results of the 7th post-programme surveillance (PPS) mission to Portugal, which took place between 28 November and 6 December 2017.

• Statement by the European Commission and the European Central Bank after the 7th post-programme surveillance

IMF Article IV consultation with the euro area

The Eurogroup exchanged views on the International Monetary Fund's presentation of its main preliminary findings from its interim mission relating to the Article IV consultation with the euro area. 

• IMF Article IV surveillance