MNI BRIEF: Euro 2025-26 Fiscal Stance Seen Broadly Neutral

Euro Area finance ministers expect a "broadly neutral" fiscal stance across the single currency zone in 2025 and 2026, according to a statement on Monday. 

The Eurogroup said that, apart from the increase in defence spending, fiscal restraint "remains appropriate". (See MNI INTERVIEW: Germany Needs Favourable EU Fiscal Treatment)

The ministers cautioned that the broadly neutral assessment has yet to take into account Germany's medium-term debt fiscal-structural plan, which is expected to be submitted by the end of July. 

The ministers will update their assessment of the area's fiscal stance in December.