Under its method of benchmarking and verification, the national reform programmes should be scrutinised by their effect on structural reforms, innovation, and investment. Thus, policy measures can be designed so that they genuinely enhance productivity and competitiveness. That goes for every member state, from the South to the North. Europe’s capacity to create economic prosperity is critical to manage our increasing public debt burden.
* * * Good morning. It is a pleasure to welcome you to today’s discussion and to host this third Conference on Diversity and Inclusion in Economics, Finance, and Central Banking. My colleagues and I are proud to cosponsor this conference along with the Bank of Canada, the Bank of England, and the European Central Bank.