EU finance ministers meet in Nicosia for informal Ecofin gathering

European Union finance ministers are meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus, this Friday and Saturday for an informal Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) session. Chaired by Cypriot Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, the meeting is being held under the framework of the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU. The primary agenda focuses on strengthening the bloc’s economic competitiveness, investment strategies, and financial stability amid geopolitical uncertainty. Participants will review a discussion paper prepared by the Cypriot presidency, with expert contributions from European Stability Mechanism managing director Pierre Gramegna and economist Andreas Theophanous. The schedule includes a working lunch on Friday followed by a joint session with central bank governors. Key topics include macroeconomic developments, housing competitiveness, and progress regarding the digital euro, featuring European Parliament committee chair Aurore Lalucq. The meeting will also include an analysis of the risks and opportunities associated with stablecoins, supported by a presentation from Jeromin Zettelmeyer.