In this article, We learn about "The Eurogroup ".Let's Go!
The Eurogroup is an informal body where the euro area’s finance ministers discuss issues of shared responsibility related to the euro.
It is a slightly smaller version of the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee ("Ecofin"), which is the structure of the EU Council composed of the finance ministers of all 27 EU member states.
The role of the Eurogroup is set out in Protocol No. 14 to the Lisbon Treaty , which entered into force on 1 December 2009.
Eurogroup has political control over the single currency .
This is in stark contrast to the more technocratic decisions that are handled by the European Central Bank (ECB), such as setting interest rates.
Why is the Eurogroup needed?
All member countries participate in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), which means that they coordinate economic policymaking and view economic decision-making as a matter of common concern to all.
However, not all member states have joined the Eurozone and adopted the single currency, the euro.
Some countries have chosen not to join at this time, while others are still preparing their economies to meet the criteria for joining the Eurozone.
European member states need to cooperate closely and are also subject to the single monetary policy of the European Central Bank.
Therefore, Eurozone member states need a forum to discuss and decide on Eurozone policies.
This cannot be the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee (“Ecofin”) as it includes all member states. And some member states do not use the euro.
The solution is the Eurogroup, which consists of the economic and finance ministers of the euro area member states.
The Eurogroup promotes economic growth and financial stability in the euro area by coordinating economic policies.
Since only Ecofin can make formal decisions on economic matters, the Eurogroup holds informal meetings the day before Ecofin meetings, approximately once a month.
The next day, the agreement reached at the Eurogroup informal meeting will be formally decided by Eurogroup member states at the Ecofin meeting.
What does the Eurogroup do?
Its main task is to ensure close coordination of economic policies among the euro area member states . It also aims to promote stronger economic growth.
The
Eurogroup is also responsible for preparations for the European Summit meetings and their follow-up.
Policy coordination among euro area countries is essential to ensure stability across the euro area.
Eurogroup discussions therefore cover both specific euro-related matters as well as broader issues affecting the fiscal, monetary and structural policies of euro area member states.
It aims to identify common challenges and find common solutions to them.
It is also responsible for preparations for the European Summit conference and its follow-up.
What is the Eurogroup talking about?
Eurogroup regular discussion:
- Eurozone Economic Situation and Outlook
- Eurozone Member States Budget Policy
- Eurozone macroeconomic situation
- Structural reforms Potential to boost growth
- Matters related to the maintenance of financial stability in the euro area
- Preparation for
- International Conference
- Eurozone enlargement
Furthermore, the Eurogroup may hold preliminary discussions on Council decisions that apply only to euro area member states.
When the Council adopts such decisions, only the ministers of the euro area member states vote in the Council.
The Eurogroup also discussed the terms of providing financial assistance to eurozone countries experiencing severe financial difficulties.
When will the Eurogroup meet?
The Eurogroup usually meets once a month, that is, on the eve of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting.
Additional meetings or conference calls can be held if required. Meetings are informal and discussions confidential.
The participants of the Eurogroup meeting are:
- EurozoneMinister responsible for finance
- Eurogroup Chairman
- Vice-President of the Commission responsible for economic and monetary affairs and the euro
- President of the European Central Bank (European Central Bank)
European Stability Mechanism Managing Director was also invited to attend the meeting. The International Monetary Fund was invited to participate in discussions on its economic plans.
The
results were announced by the Eurogroup President to the public at a press conference. In addition, the Eurogroup may issue written public statements. The President also reports to the Ecofin Council.
The Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs and the President of the European Central Bank also attended the Eurogroup meeting.
The first informal meeting of finance ministers of the euro area countries was held on 4 June 1998 at Senningen Castle in Luxembourg.
How are Eurogroup leaders chosen?
The Eurogroup elects its President by a simple majority for a term of 2.5 years.
If the Chairman is unable to perform his duties, he shall be replaced by the Minister of Finance of the country serving as Chairman of the Council.
If the host country is not a member of the Euro Area, the Finance Minister of the Euro Area country next to hold the Chair of the Council takes over.
If you want to learn more foreign exchange trading knowledge, please click: Trading Education.
