Brussels, 28/02/2000 (Agence Europe) - During its session on Monday, the Ecofin Council not only gave a favourable opinion on the four stability programmes and the two revised convergence programmes which were submitted to it (see pages 15/16) and taken decisions with a view to fighting against the counterfeiting of euro coins (see page 16), but also discussed the following issues:
1. Preparation of the extraordinary European Council of Lisbon. The Council took on board a document established by the Ecofin Council which, after several changes of form, will be formally approved during the March session and then transmitted to the European Council as the Ecofin Council's own contribution to this summit. The Fifteen also took into consideration other contributions (Member States, Economic Policy Committee, EIB, as well as the very recent European Commission document - see page 12).
2. Liechtenstein. According to President Pina Moura, the Council noted the fact that the Commission is already working on this issue (problem of money laundering, banking secret, lack of cooperation) and that it will continue to grant it full attention (as confirmed by Mr Solbes).
3. Montenegro. The Council concluded it was impossible to give this country classical macro-economic aid but called on the Commission to study what the EU could do in other ways, as this small republic has solicited donations (the legal difficulty arising, we know, from the fact that Montenegro is part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with Serbia).
4. Taxation. Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown told his colleagues that London in no way planned to change its mind on the savings taxation matter as, according to Mr Pina Moura, the high level group is responsible for seeking a solution which respects the principles of Helsinki. See following article on yet another impasse in work.
5. Euro and inflation. Mr Pina Moura observed that the European economy continued to notch up an "excellent rate of growth" and said he was convinced that a strong currency will be the corollary of a strong economy. Regarding the outlook for inflation, Mr Solbes said he was certain that the trends - currently negative because of oil prices and exchange rates - would turn around during the second half of the year.