BRUSSELS -
Austria is "opposed" to "further exceptions" in the rules on EU public accounts "in order to be able to contract further debts".
Thus the
Austrian Minister of Finance, Gernot Bluemel, joining the Eurogroup in Brussels
before the start of the discussion on the reform of the Stability and Growth Pact.
"During the summer we launched a so-called responsibility alliance which aims to gradually lower the debt levels of the states. This is important to have sufficient leeway for the next crisis," he added.
"The question of fiscal stability and sustainability is important not only for Germany or Austria but for all of Europe"
, underlined Bluemel, hoping that the leader of the German Liberals (FDP), Christian Lindner, would be next to hold the role of finance minister in Germany. "He is currently the representative of the traditional German basic attitude" to public accounts and therefore "it would be good if he became finance minister," he noted.
"Debt reduction is necessary but it must have realistic rhythms
compatible with growth. I would not expect solutions in a very short time but today is the start of this discussion", said
EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs Paolo Gentiloni
arriving at the Eurogroup .
"Before the crisis we had a maximum difference of 30-40 points between the most indebted countries of the euro zone and the other countries, at the end of the crisis we have a level of public debt that reaches 100 points in some countries of the euro zone. So the situation cannot be considered the same,
the status quo is impossible "
.
Thus the
French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire
, before the Eurogroup speaking of the revision of the Stability and Growth Pact.
"The 60% debt rule is obsolete" and "we should define new rules to ensure the unity of the euro area, but on a more realistic basis," he added.
