The Lithuanian Finance Minister and chairperson of the meeting Rimantas Šadžius stated “The start of 2015 has been marked by a strong signal of progressive development in Europe’s economic and financial policy. The proposals brought out by the Commission regarding the governance structure of the European Fund for Strategic Investment and the communication on the use of flexibility in the Stability and Growth Pact, directly follow our political family’s calls for increasing investment in Europe as a major driver for restoring economic recovery and growth. The proposals are a step towards the right direction but more needs to be done in order to ensure that the investments are efficiently targeted to deliver the greatest means of return. It is also very positive that the Commission as well as the Latvian Presidency’s priorities are in line with the aim to take action in order to effectively promote sustainable economic growth. We are looking forward to establishing a constructive and fruitful working relationship with the Latvian Presidency in order to effectively advance on our efforts to create a better Europe for all Europeans.’
The meeting was also attended by Finnish Finance Minister, Antti Rinne, French Finance Minister Michele Sapin, Maltese Finance Minister Edward Scicluna, Swedish Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson, Slovakian Deputy Prime Ministers and Finance Minister Peter Kazimir, Romanian Finance Minister Darius Valcov, Commissioner for Economic Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs Pierre Moscovici Vice-President of S&D Group of the European Parliament Maria João Rodrigues, and Deputy Secretary General of the PES Yonnec Polet.
