February 15, 2011

EU finance ministers meet over comprehensive solution to debt crisis

European Union (EU) finance ministers Monday continued at their monthly meeting discussion of a comprehensive solution to the sovereign debt crisis, but no final decisions are expected.

"Today with the euro group we will push forward with our discussion to arrive at a comprehensive package that causes the euro zone to be more stable and solves our problems," Greek Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou said after on arrival for the meeting.

After the meeting of the 17 finance ministers from the eurozone, ministers from all the 27 member states will discuss elements of the European Stability Mechanism, the permanent rescue fund to replace the temporary one which will expire in 2013.

At the summit on Feb. 4, EU leaders agreed to adopt a comprehensive anti-crisis package in March.

Apart from reinforcing the current temporary bailout fund and paving way for the permanent replacement, the main elements of the comprehensive package also include an agreement on stronger economic governance, stress tests in the banking sector, implementation of measures to strengthen budgetary positions and growth prospects in the eurozone as well as existing programs in Greece and Ireland.

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy said on Monday that leaders of the eurozone will hold an informal meeting on March 11 to look at ways to increase competitiveness of the bloc.

"We must take account of the specific situation of each Member State, but a common currency means we must be prepared to do more in common," he stressed before the finance ministers' meeting.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com

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