Greece's Ministry of National Economy and Finance outlined the agenda for upcoming Eurogroup and Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meetings, focusing on European defense financing, the euro area's economic and fiscal outlook, and proposed changes to EU tobacco taxation. Minister of National Economy and Finance and Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis will chair the Eurogroup meeting and participate in ECOFIN.
At an expanded Eurogroup meeting, finance ministers from all 27 EU member states and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte will discuss more effective use of public resources and increased joint procurement of defense equipment. Discussions on the euro area economy will cover growth prospects, inflation and member states' fiscal positions. Ministers will also receive updates on digital euro negotiations and the European Central Bank's technical preparations, followed by briefings on the condition of European banks and risks facing the Banking Union.
At ECOFIN, ministers will seek agreement on revisions to the EU tobacco tax framework. The proposed reform would change excise duties, bring electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products into the framework, and strengthen measures against illicit trade. Fiscal governance discussions will include a recommendation to activate Italy's national escape clause. Ministers will also review implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, covering investments, reforms and disbursements to member states.