It is an honour to be back at this conference and share some reflections with you. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure to meet with many of you in your postings. I wish to begin by commending your professionalism. You are the face of European Union abroad. And you represent our Union with dedication. Thank you very much for your commitment. I would also like to commend you, dear Kaja...
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We started today’s meeting with a discussion on macroeconomic developments. This discussion took place at a time of significant turbulence. The situation in the Middle East is deeply concerning. Besides the economic turmoil, we are witnessing a tragic situation with broad geopolitical repercussions. In this time of crisis, the EU stands in solidarity with its friends in the region and the people a...
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The Eurogroup discussed macroeconomic developments in the euro area and adopted a statement on the Belgian draft budgetary plan for 2026. Ministers also exchanged views on recent developments in digital finance, including tokenisation and stablecoins. They further discussed energy prices and their implications for the euro area economy in the context of heightened geopolitical instability. Eurogro...
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Lebanon risks becoming another front in the war with Iran. Hezbollah’s decision to attack Israel in support of Iran endangers the entire region and adds a deadly dimension. Israel has the right to self-defence in line with international law. All proxies that join the war make themselves legitimate targets. Hezbollah must disarm and cease all actions against Israel. At the same time, Israel’s re...
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President Costa will be in Baku on 11 March for a series of high-level meetings with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and senior government representatives. “Azerbaijan is a partner of strategic importance to the EU: our energy cooperation is crucial for our efforts to diversify our energy supplies and strengthen our energy security. Our meeting will also be an opportunity to disc...
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The adoption of the legislative package on foreign funding and political activity by the Georgian Parliament on 4 March is part of a systematic effort of the Georgian authorities to restrict the country’s democratic and civic space. The new legislation establishes an extensive system of state control over political activity in the country. It introduces potential criminal liability for individu...
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The Eurogroup will discuss macroeconomic developments in the euro area and is expected to adopt a statement on the Belgian draft budgetary plan for 2026. Ministers will also exchange views on recent developments in digital finance, including tokenisation and stablecoins. They will further discuss energy prices and their implications for the euro area economy in the context of heightened geopolitic...
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Indicative programme All times are approximate and subject to change Place: Europa building, Brussels Chairs: Marinos MOUSHOUTTAS, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance Clea PAPAELLINA, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Tuesday 9 March +/- 08.50 Arrivals (live streaming) +/- 08.50 Doorstep by Clea PAPAELLINA (live streaming) +/- 9.00 Doorstep by Marinos MOUSHOUTTAS (live str...
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