The first meeting of the Council of Ministers for the economy and finance (Ecofin) under the Italian presidency was held in Brussels from 14 to 16 July. The Ministers accepted with favour in fact they adopted the action plan presented by Italy aimed at the growth of the European economy through the relaunch of investments in the sectors of major transport infrastructures and technological research and development. They invited the Commission and the European Bank for Investments (Ebi) to prepare an analysis of needs and feasibility. Priority will be given to measures able to reinforce the competitiveness of the European economy on international markets. The Council was preceded by the meeting of the Eurogroup composed of economic ministers of the Euro-zone countries according to which the conditions to “soften” the Stability and Growth Pact, as requested by French President Jacques Chirac, do not exist at the present time.
