Helsingin Sanomat writes that Minister of Finance Alexander Stubb received a personal letter on Wednesday urging the government to take action to improve the country’s economic situation. The letter has been signed by the European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis and Commissioner for Finance Pierre Moscovici. This is the first time the Commission is urging member states with personal letters. In addition to Minister Stubb, a letter was sent to his colleagues in Belgium, Croatia, Italy and Romania. Marketta Henriksson of the Ministry of Finance explains that there is nothing dramatic about the letter, it is just a new idea from the Commission. If Finland breaches the rules, they can say that we have been warned, she adds. In April, Finland will send its public economy plan to the Commission. In practice, the Commission’s letter probably does not affect Finland’s financial policy much.

Media:  Helsingin Sanomat (E-edition) 

Date: 10.3.2016

Journalist: Paavo Teittinen

Main source: Marketta Henriksson