At their meeting on 20 February, EU finance ministers discussed the recommendations of a high-level group of experts on sustainable finance. The EU’s sustainable finance strategy will contribute to implementing the UN’s 2015 climate change agreement. It is also part of the EU's plan to develop a capital markets union by the end of 2019. The Commission is due to present an action plan in March 2018. The Council also adopted guidelines for the 2019 EU budget, stressing that a transparent and effective use of the budget will bolster the EU’s credibility with its citizens. The guidelines call for prudent budgeting that allows adequate resources to support priorities whilst leaving sufficient margins to deal with unforeseen circumstances. Ministers also recommended that the European Parliament grant discharge to the Commission for implementation of the 2016 EU budget. Lastly, the Council issued a recommendation confirming the nomination of Luis de Guindos as vice-president of the European Central Bank. The recommendation will be submitted to the European Council for a decision on 22-23 March 2018.