Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis is traveling to Brussels to participate in the work of the Eurogroup and ECOFIN on November 12 and 13 respectively.
At the heart of the discussions are critical issues for the European economy, with immediate relevance for Greece. Among them, the new European taxation in the energy sector, as well as changes in the tariff treatment of small parcels arriving from Asia.
Eurogroup
The Eurogroup will examine the latest macroeconomic and fiscal developments in the euro area, as well as the challenges posed by the rapidly changing international environment. Fiscal policy coordination in the coming period is also on the table.
Finance Ministers will also be briefed on the latest developments in the Banking Union by the Chairs of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Board (SRB).
In an expanded format, with the participation of all 27 Member States, the Eurogroup will exchange views on the future of digital finance. There will be an update on the progress of the digital euro as well as developments in stablecoins.
ECOFIN
The ECOFIN is expected to discuss a number of key issues related to tax policy, fiscal stability, the green transition and international cooperation.
Energy taxation
The revision of the Energy Taxation Directive stands out, which aims to align the taxation of fuels with their environmental impacts. This is a matter of particular importance for all European economies, including Greece, given the energy transition and European emission reduction targets.
Low-value parcel duties
Particular emphasis is also being placed on the reform of the tariff treatment of small parcels imported from third countries, mainly from Asia. The Council is seeking a political agreement on the abolition of the duty-free threshold and the implementation of a new, simplified framework that will enhance transparency, reduce underpricing and protect European consumers.
Global minimum tax of 15% on multinational enterprises
Also on the agenda is the implementation of Pillar 2 of the OECD’s international tax reform, which establishes a global minimum tax rate of 15% for multinational enterprises.
Supplementary work
The annual EU-EFTA (European Free Trade Area) dialogue will take place in the framework of ECOFIN, with the participation of the European Commission, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
In addition, the President of the European Fiscal Board (EFB), Pieter Hasekamp, ??will present the Council’s Annual Report, with an analysis of fiscal developments and recommendations for ensuring sound public finances.
The impact of Russian aggression against Ukraine will also be examined, as well as the economic and budgetary support measures provided by the EU.
Finally, the Presidency and the European Commission will report on the outcomes of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (15–16 October 2025, Washington), while the Council will adopt Conclusions on EU statistics.
