Irish Minister elected President of Eurogroup

Welcome news of the election of Paschal Donoghue, Irish Minister of Finance, as President of the Eurogroup, the coordinating body of 19 Eurozone counterparts. The 18 month term will begin on 13 July.
 
In his statement following the election, Minister Donohue said "The Eurogroup is the economic engine for the Eurozone and the single currency. My immediate priority, as president, will be to chart a common way forward on building the European recovery, strengthening the eurozone economy, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth for member states and their citizens. Across the EU our citizens are looking to us to provide the necessary leadership.

As President, I will seek to build bridges amongst all members of the euro area, and to engage actively with all member states, to ensure that we have a consensus-based approach to the recovery of our economies and our societies.

I will bring to the table Ireland's experience as a small member state that has been a programme country but which has also seen its economy and society transformed through EU membership. I look forward to working closely with my counterparts to ensure an inclusive and transparent Eurogroup, that delivers economic recovery, prosperity and jobs in the best interest of Europe and its citizens”.