Ministers to deliberate Juncker Plan proposal

EU ministers are set to begin their discussions of the €315bn European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI).

On Tuesday, Latvian Minister of Finance Jānis Reirs will chair a meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), whilst on Wednesday, MEPs will hold a plenary session involving a discussion on the EFSI. Both meetings will be held in Brussels.

Earlier this month, the European Commission presented its legislative proposal on the Investment Plan, which aims to make at least €315bn available in private and public investment over the next three years in the EU. The plan will support strategic investments, such as in broadband and energy networks, as well as SMEs.

During the ECOFIN meeting, Reirs will also present the Latvian Council Presidency’s agenda for the committee over the next six months. Ministers will discuss the Commission’s work programme for 2015 and examine a review of economic governance reforms and flexibility under the Stability and Growth Pact. Preparations for the upcoming G20 meeting of finance ministers and governors in Istanbul in February will also take place.