The annual ECOFIN-EFTA meeting focused on economic growth and investments

Met dank overgenomen van Slowaaks voorzitterschap Europese Unie 2e helft 2016 (EU2016SK) i, gepubliceerd op dinsdag 8 november 2016.

Brussels (8 November) - The EFTA i economic and finance ministers and ECOFIN ministers met at their annual EFTA-ECOFIN meeting to discuss economic, financial and political items of common interest. In the context of the moderate economic recovery in Europe, ministers focused their discussion on the appropriate policy strategy to strengthen the economic growth and employment, with an emphasis on boosting the subdued investments across the continent.

"Well functioning cooperation is vital for both sides in our quest to spur economic growth and boost investment activity, both private and public, in Europe."

Peter Kažimír

"We held a very useful exchange of views with our partners from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland about current economic situation and investment environment in Europe," Peter Kažimír, Slovakia’s Finance Minister and the President of the Council. "Well functioning cooperation is vital for both sides in our quest to spur economic growth and boost investment activity, both private and public, in Europe."

Whilst recognising the EFTA countries' investments are close to pre-crisis level, all Parties acknowledged the importance of policies aimed at boosting the investment levels in Europe. In this area, structural reforms to enhance productivity and remove investment barriers, sound financial regulation aimed at channelling savings into investment projects and completion of the single market were emphasized by ministers. The EU i's Investment plan for Europe was seen as an important driver of such policy efforts.

The ministers also recognized the significant level of interdependence between the EU and EFTA economies. An economic downturn in one group of countries can have an immediate knock-on effect on other parts of Europe. The EU and EFTA therefore don't see each other as "third" countries, but as neighbours with the same important economic challenges and priorities. The Brexit only provides more impetus to that agenda.