The development policies adopted by the Greek government, targeted reforms, as well as digital tools that help reduce tax evasion, the finance minister analyzed Kyriakos Pierrakakisin his intervention at yesterday’s meeting (11.4.2025) Eurogroup.
At the Eurogroup meeting, Mr. Pierrakakis referred to the dynamic development of the Greek economy and the determination with which the government would insist on fiscal stability and achieve all the goals set for primary surpluses and further debt reduction. At the same time, in his speech, the Minister of Finance made special mention of the stability of the domestic financial system, which is now called upon to function as a lever for the growth of the economy.
The discussions held at the meetings, but also at the work lunch on the sidelines of the Eurogroup on the impact of the imposition of duties by the United States, were extensive. Mr Pierrakakis expressed the pure position of the Greek government: “No one comes out of the trade wars, which is why it is important to proceed with the negotiations between the EU. and the US to achieve a mutually acceptable solution. Greece, as a country of the European Union, supports free trade with stable and predictable rules. “
Greece was one of the first countries to seek space for economic diplomacy between the US and the EU. And there are no hasty moves on either side.
Search new markets and removing regulatory barriers
The Greek minister was in favor of searching for alternative roads for trade: “In this fluid international context it is imperative to seek new markets for European products and to seek agreements with international trade partners, such as India.” He also insisted that the implementation of Draghi and Letta reports on the substantial completion of the single market, the simplification of legislation and the abolition of both obstacles between the Member States, and the internal regulatory barriers that are embankments in growth.
The digital euro
The Greek minister made particular reference to the potential of accelerating the growth of the European economy through the use of modern technological tools. It focused on the need to boost efforts to carry out digital payments and the creation of digital euro, which must proceed alongside the savings and investment union. This also includes the deepening of the Capital Markets Union and the Banking Union. These issues were discussed in detail at the first Ecofin meeting, which threw its burden on the competitiveness of European financial markets.
The defense for Greece is of existential importance
The subject of Ecofin’s second day meeting was the funding of European defense and security in the light of a study by the European Tank Tank Bruegel.
The Minister of National Economy and Finance stressed that the European Union should be able to finance the strengthening of its defense potential: “Greece has been in favor of strengthening the strategic autonomy of the European Union over time,” the minister said, stressing that “our defense for our country is in existence.”
Kyriakos Pierrakakis welcomed the activation of the national escape clause in the context of EU economic governance rules, stressing that each Member State should have the opportunity to choose his investment in defense, in line with his national interests. Our country was openly in favor of shaping a single European market for defense goods and services, which would significantly enhance European competitiveness and economy. At the same time, Kyriakos Pierrakakis emphasized that it is vital for the single market to ensure a balanced participation of all Member States in Defense Supplies, regardless of size, and in particular small and medium -sized businesses (SMEs).
Bilateral contacts
As part of the Eurogroup and Ecofin meetings, the Minister of National Economy and Finance held bilateral meetings with Polish Finance Minister Andrei Domanski, who performs the debt of President of Ecofin, with the Minister of Finance of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Minister of Finance.