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Mission statement - economic and financial affairs

The mission of the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs is to contribute to raising the economic standards in the European Union by fostering competitive, employment-rich economies.

Mission statement 2020-2024

The mission of the Directorate General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN) is to contribute to the creation of economic conditions in which all Europeans can thrive, now and in the future, and to develop the means for Europe to be a leading force for stability and prosperity in the world. DG ECFIN thus contributes to the following overall political priorities of the European Commission:

  • An economy that works for people
  • A European Green Deal
  • A Europe fit for the digital age
  • A stronger Europe in the world

To achieve this, DG ECFIN contributes to development of policies that underpin economic growth based on competitive sustainability, while preserving macroeconomic and financial stability and contributing to transforming our economies towards climate neutrality.

  • Within the Union, it undertakes economic surveillance based on extensive analysis, focusing on macroeconomic and fiscal policies, and bringing its assessments together under the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • In parallel, it contributes directly to the provision of financial support to build the conditions for economic growth. This includes financing for investment to underpin the greening and digitalisation of our economies to deliver higher productivity and a better future, and to facilitate the recovery from economic shocks.
  • It provides policy support for Economic and Monetary Union, to ensure the effective functioning of the euro and to give Europe a strong economic global presence.
  • DG ECFIN engages in multilateral and bilateral relationships with international financial institutions and channels financial assistance to partner countries, including candidate countries and those in our geographical neighbourhood.

DG ECFIN performs its mission in liaison with a complex network of stakeholders. DG ECFIN works in close cooperation with finance ministries and ministries for the economy in Member States. It also interacts with national parliaments, social partners and other business, academic and civil society organisations. In addition, and as part of its role to promote the external dimension of the economic and monetary union, DG ECFIN partners with international partners in the IMF, G7, G20 and international development banks, as well as with key non-EU national authorities.