Latvia's Ministry of Finance announced that Finance Minister Arvils Ašeradens and ministry representatives will participate in the Eurogroup and EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meetings in Warsaw, Poland on 11-12 April, with discussions expected to focus on economic developments, European financial market competitiveness and defence financing. The Eurogroup agenda is set to cover economic developments and euro area policy coordination, including preparations for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group Spring Meetings. ECOFIN is expected to discuss geopolitical challenges in Europe and their impact on the EU economy, including follow-up to the European Commission’s White Paper on the future of European defence and the ReArm Europe plan, which includes information on activating the national escape clause and a proposed new EU instrument, the Security Action For Europe Instrument (SAFE), to provide loans to member states for investments that increase EU defence capabilities. The meeting may also address transatlantic trade relations and US trade policy decisions, particularly on import tariffs, and will include exchanges between ministers and central bank governors on financial market competitiveness in the context of the Savings and Investments Union and its role in supporting investment.

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