At the Council of EU economy and finance ministers (ECOFIN Council) of 4 November presided over by the French Minister for the Economy, Industry and Employment, Christine Lagarde, the ministers focused their discussions on the pursuit of efforts to respond to the financial crisis, citing the coordination of national action to support the financial sector, the granting of assistance to EU countries affected by the crisis and the common messages that the EU should present at the debate on overhauling the international financial system.