1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
Press freedomIsrael-Hamas warRussia's war in Ukraine

Juncker May Stay on as Head of Eurogroup

DPA news agency (kjb)September 3, 2008

Luxemburg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker would agree to remain as head of the so-called Eurogroup when his second and theoretically final term of office runs out at the end of the year, he said.

https://p.dw.com/p/FAXI
Jean-Claude Juncker
Juncker has served two terms but said he's up for a thirdImage: picture-alliance / dpa/dpaweb

"If all 15 finance ministers unanimously want to prolong my mandate, I won't be able to say no," Juncker told the Luxemburger Wort newspaper on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Juncker, who is also his country's finance minister, was elected to head the informal group of finance ministers from the countries which use the euro in 2004.

At that time, the group agreed that the chairman should be limited to a maximum of two two-year terms.

However, in the wake of the banking crisis which began in the summer of 2007, pressure is growing for the experienced Juncker to remain in his post for a third term.

Eurogroup finance ministers are set to discuss the issue at informal talks in the French resort of Nice on Sept. 12.

The Eurogroup currently consists of 15 countries, including France and Germany. Slovakia is set to join the group in January.

Skip next section Explore more

Explore more

A wad of 500 euro bills

Euro Zone Inflation Drops After Fall in Oil Price

Euro Zone Inflation Drops After Fall in Oil Price

New data showed that, after a fall in the price of oil, inflation in the 15 euro zone countries dropped to 3.8 percent in August from 4 percent in July. (29.08.2008)
August 29, 2008
A dollar note lies underneath euro coins

Euro Falls as Economic Outlook Darkens in Europe

Euro Falls as Economic Outlook Darkens in Europe

The euro slumped Friday, Aug. 8, ahead of the release of new data expected to point to slowing economic growth in Europe and after the European Central Bank signaled rate hikes are off the agenda for the time being. (08.08.2008)
August 8, 2008
European Central Bank in Frankfurt

Pressure Grows for Single Euro Seat at IMF

Pressure Grows for Single Euro Seat at IMF

Pressure is growing on euro-zone governments to cast their national interests to the side and give their shared currency a stronger voice on the global stage by seeking a single seat at the International Monetary Fund. (16.05.2008)
May 16, 2008