McCreevy to chair third Ecofin meeting tomorrow

The Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, will chair his third meeting in the Irish Presidency of the Council of Economics and Finance Ministers of the EU (Ecofin Council) in Brussels tomorrow.

A 'Key Issues Paper' from the Ecofin Council will form an important part of the European Council's consideration of how to push forward with the Lisbon Agenda to make the EU the most competitive and dynamic knowledge based economy in the world.

Tomorrow's event will also examine the Stability and Growth Pact programmes of Belgium, Germany, Spain and Portugal.

The other 11 countries' programmes, including Ireland's, was assessed at earlier meetings in January and February.

Ministers are also expected to hear an update of the position on the Savings Tax Directive and an initial consideration of priorities for the 2005 EU Budget.

The 2005 Budget will be negotiated and agreed later this year during the Dutch Presidency.

Minister McCreevy said today : "This meeting will finalise the Ecofin Council's input to the European Council of Heads of State or Government of the EU in Brussels on 25/26 March.

"The Irish Presidency very much supports this Lisbon Agenda in view of its importance for business and for the citizens of Europe and of Ireland," McCreevy added.