Luxembourg, 18/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - Luxembourg is not a huge supporter of the idea defended by Germany and France of bringing in a permanent Eurogroup presidency.
If a permanent presidency of the Eurogroup means more administration, then “we don't need it”, said the Luxembourg prime minister, Xavier Bettel, at a press conference at the EIB on 17 September. However, Bettel is not burning any bridges and said that, if a concrete project were presented, then it would have to be examined to see how much it would cost. But for the time being, the presidency “works” as it is, he said.
The question is expected to be raised in 2015 when the mandate of the current leader of the Eurogroup, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, comes to an end. The Spanish minister Luis De Guindos has expressed his availability to take over the reins and has the official support of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The problem is that Spain will be entering an election period at around the same time and, if the People's Party is not re-elected, De Guindos is likely to lose his job. If a permanent position was created beforehand, this would allow him to take up the role whatever happens.
At the European summit in late August, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced that his minister would probably seek a second term in office (see EUROPE 11144). (EL)