However, in the institutional context of the Economic and Monetary Union, it is still important to avoid the risk that, also due to the extemporaneous nature of the remarks made, the positions of the individual Council members be interpreted as an expression of national perspectives or interests, rather than as relating to the area as a whole.
Downside risks connected with the international environment include increased uncertainty associated with forthcoming elections in several EU countries, the rise in protectionism worldwide and a slowdown in global trade and a possible resurgence of the refugee crisis.