"In the current geopolitical context, we see three essential priorities for EIB investments. First, the Bank must continue to be actively involved in financing Ukraine's reconstruction and resilience building projects. Second, the EIB must contribute more to the strengthening of the EU defence capabilities, for this, it is necessary to expand the list of sectors to be financed in the field of defence and security. Third, the EIB must continue to act as the EU's climate bank and finance green transition projects, which also means increasing the EU's energy independence," emphasized Minister of Finance G. Skaistė.
The Ministers discussed the next steps in creating a single EU capital market, which would provide more financing alternatives for European businesses and investment and saving opportunities for residents. Attention was also paid to the topic of financial literacy.
"Next to the Banking Union, the EU Capital Markets Union is a strategically important project for strengthening the growth potential, resilience and competitiveness of the European economy. A developed single capital market would open up more financing alternatives under favourable conditions for Lithuanian businesses, from small to large companies. Meanwhile, residents would have wider opportunities to invest and employ savings. A deep capital market would also help to mobilize additional resources for the green transition and other policy priorities," says G. Skaistė.
At the ECOFIN meeting, Mario Dragi presented the prepared report on European competitiveness, and there were an exchange of views between the Ministers. In addition, the European Commission presented the latest macroeconomic forecasts.
