Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna of ALDE member Demokratesch Partei in Luxembourg confirmed his candidacy to lead the Eurogroup on 25 June. The election of the new president will take place at the next Eurogroup on 9 July.

Gramegna has a long-standing career in the public sector, with six years as the Minister of Finance and a diplomatic career spanning over two decades. Moreover, he has been a member of several company executive boards.

In his motivation letter, Gramegna stressed the need for solidarity and national responsibility from all countries to speed the recovery from the negative impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He also underlined the achievements of the Eurogroup and mentioned his views and priorities for the group, such as structural reforms aimed at strengthening the Single Market and continuing to deepen the Economic and Monetary Union. 

“I am firmly convinced that Europe can only advance if it stands united, particularly in the face of the momentous challenges that await the continent over the next months. This is particularly true for the Eurogroup, which is the spearheading force in our European Union,” Gramegna said.

The mandate of the Eurogroup President lasts for two and a half years, and the purpose of the role is to guide the work of the group, compromising solutions and helping reach consensus on divisive issues. The President also sets the agenda of the monthly meetings of the 19 eurozone Ministers of Finance.

Ready to stand as candidate for the #Eurogroup presidency. Today’s momentous challenges require consensus & compromise between all Eurozone members - small or large, North to South & East to West of 🇪🇺. I will use my 6-year experience, all my energy and diplomacy for this task. pic.twitter.com/QbZHi4fw8n

— Pierre Gramegna (@pierregramegna) June 25, 2020