Programme

09.10 - 09.30 The review of the economic governance framework

A time for reflection on the way forward for EU economic governance in the context of the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on public finances

Keynote speeches

• Christa Schweng, EESC President
• Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy

09.30 - 11.00 Session 1: Social cohesion, debt sustainability and growth

Is high public debt the result of weak fiscal discipline or is it due to low growth? How can fiscal and economic policies deliver fair outcomes for present and future generations? Should Member States focus on consolidating their public finances or should they prioritise structural reforms? Can fiscal consolidation be growth friendly.

Presentation by Margarida Marques, rapporteur for the European Parliament report on the review of the macroeconomic legislative framework

Panel discussion and Q&A

Chair: Stefano Palmieri, President of the Section for Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion, EESC

Panellists:

• James Watson (Director of Economics, BusinessEurope)
• Luca Visentini (General Secretary, ETUC)
• Thierry Philipponnat (Head of Research and Advocacy, Finance Watch)
• Iolanda Fresnillo (Policy and Advocacy Manager on Debt, Eurodad - European Network on Debt and Development)
• Eva Zamrazilová (Chair of the Czech National Fiscal Council)
• Maria Demertzis (Bruegel)

11.00 - 11.30 Coffee break

11.30 - 13.00 Session 2: Re-designing the EU economic governance framework for the twin transition

Can EU economic governance resolve the investment gap challenge to achieve the climate and digital transitions? What should be the EU’s role regarding fiscal policy? What should be kept at national level? How should local authorities be involved in the economic governance framework?

Presentation by Dominika Biegon, rapporteur for the EESC own-initiative opinion on reshaping the EU fiscal framework for a sustainable recovery and a just transition

Panel discussion and Q&A

Chair: Reinhard Felke, DG ECFIN

Panellists:

• Isabelle Brachet (EU Fiscal Reform Policy Coordinator, Climate Action Network)
• Richard van Zwol (Chair of the network of EU IFIs)
• Bojan Ivanc (Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Slovenia)
• Marcello Messori (Senior Fellow, Luiss School of European Political Economy)
• Francesco Saraceno (Sciences Po)

13.00 - 13.10 Closing, Maarten Verwey, Director-General, DG ECFIN