merrion street

President of the Eurogroup and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D. will today, Monday 9th January 2023 travel to Rome to meet with Minister of Economy and Finance of Italy, Mr Giancarlo Giorgetti.

This meeting will be Minister Donohoe's first European country visit since his re-election as President of the Eurogroup in December and his first visit to Italy since the appointment of the new Italian Government, in October 2022.

The meeting will focus on the economic situation and outlook in Italy and in the EU, the new Italian Government's programme and Eurogroup priorities for the first half of the year. In particular, the Ministers will discuss the coordination of fiscal and monetary policies as euro area countries are navigating a difficult and uncertain economic environment marked by strong inflationary pressures.

Minister Donohoe will also take part at a speaking event at the Istituto Luigi Sturzo where he will provide a euro area economic update.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Minsiter Donohoe said:

"I am very much looking forward to engaging with Minister Giorgetti on my first visit to Rome since the formation of the new Italian Government.

"Although geopolitical developments and their economic consequences, in particular inflation, are affecting euro area countries differently, we all face similar challenges.

"Therefore, close coordination of national and European policies is more essential than ever. I will discuss with Minister Giorgetti the priorities of his government as well as our common work at the Eurogroup."

ENDS