27/01/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 26 January, the Eurogroup approved the opinions of the European Commission on the draft Spanish and Lithuanian budgets for 2017 (see EUROPE 11705). The Spanish Finance Bill is broadly in line with the Stability and Growth Pact. The finance ministers "welcome Spain's commitment to take any (budgetary) measures, if necessary". The draft Lithuanian budget is at risk of non-compliance. However, the Eurogroup notes that the Commission will carry out an assessment in the spring of the Lithuanian request to benefit from a budgetary flexibility clause related to structural reforms. If this clause is accepted, it will result in a smaller deviation of the Lithuanian public finances from the adjustment path laid down in the medium term. (MB)