Alexandru Nazare in Brussels for new rounds of discussions within ECOFIN and the Eurogroup

Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare is attending new rounds of talks in Brussels on Monday as part of the ECOFIN and Eurogroup meetings, where he is seeking to uphold Romania’s strategic and economic interests in European decision-making.

The meetings’ agenda includes defence financing, the efficient use of public resources and the opportunities offered by joint procurement. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also take part in the inclusive-format Eurogroup discussions.

Finance ministers will also address the simplification of European legislation, the implementation of the economic governance framework and the progress made in implementing the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Romania supports reducing the administrative burden, predictable rules, better access to capital and conditions that support the competitiveness of the business environment.

Another topic is the updating of the European framework on the taxation of tobacco and nicotine products. Nazare says the new rules must take into account both public health objectives and the possibility of implementing them in national markets.

Within the limits of his responsibilities, the minister will support the discussions held by the Ministry of Investments and European Projects regarding the NRRP. On the sidelines of the ECOFIN meeting, he will meet European Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra to discuss strengthening public finances and sustainable economic development.