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About us

Mission

The IMF Europe Office, located in Paris and Brussels, serves as liaison to EU institutions and governments, as well as international organizations, academics, civil society, and media.

Its main tasks include:

• Engaging with European policymakers and other interlocutors on euro area and EU policies; as well as fostering a dialogue on global economic issues; 
• Supporting IMF operations in Europe, including policy advice, lending arrangements, technical assistance, and recruitment efforts;
• Helping to coordinate communication and outreach activities across the region.

History

Immediately after its creation, the Fund played a key role in various postwar initiatives, such as the creation of the European Payments Union (EPU) and the Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC, which in 1960 became the OECD). The Office in Europe was created in Paris in 1948 to serve as observer and personal representative of the Managing Director at these new institutions. Over time, the functions of the office expanded to include wider liaison with European-based institutions, external relations, and outreach to academic institutions, NGOs, and the public.

The IMF Europe Office was established in 2013, comprising the Paris Office and the newly created Brussels Office 

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Newsletter

The IMF Europe Office regularly publishes a newsletter featuring the highlights of the Fund’s work in the European Union and globally.

2019

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News and Highlights

  • Europe’s Wage-Price Puzzle

    IMF Blog

    November 11, 2019

  • The Threat of Inequality of Opportunity

    IMF Blog

    November 7, 2019

  • Regional Economic Outlook: Europe

    Economic activity in Europe has slowed on the back of weakness in trade and manufacturing. For most of the region, the slowdown remains externally driven. However, some signs of softer domestic demand have started to appear, especially in investment. Services and domestic consumption have been buoyant so far, but their resilience is tightly linked to labor market conditions, which, despite some easing, remain robust. Expansionary fiscal policy in many countries and looser financial conditions have also supported domestic demand.

    November 6, 2019

  • Euro Area Policies - 2019 Article IV Consultation

    After a sharp slowdown starting in 2018, euro area growth is expected to recover over the course of 2019. However, mounting downside risks from global trade tensions, a no-deal Brexit, and market concerns about countries with high public debt emphasize the precarious nature of the forecast. Even in the absence of a major shock, there is a danger that the area could enter a prolonged period of anemic growth and inflation. Policies should focus on supporting growth while also reducing vulnerabilities.

    July 11, 2019

  • Towards a Stronger International Role of the Euro

    Presentation by Christian Ebeke, IMF Deputy Representative to the EU, at EESC, Brussels.

    April 4, 2019

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Europe and the IMF

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