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The Eurogroup first met in regular format and afterwards came together for a Eurogroup meeting in inclusive format.
Regular format
Post-programme surveillance: Ireland and Portugal
The European Commission and the ECB informed ministers on the main findings of the 10th post-programme surveillancemission to Ireland carried out between 13-16 November 2018 and on the 9th post-programme surveillance mission to Portugal carried out between 26-30 November 2018.
Post-programme surveillance (PPS) starts automatically after the end of financial assistance programmes and continues until at least 75% of loans received have been repaid. PPS is biannual in terms of reporting and missions.
Eurogroup supports Philip Lane's nomination to join ECB executive board
The Eurogroup discussed the nomination for the upcoming vacancy at the European Central Bank (ECB) and gave support to the candidacy of Philip Lane, Ireland's Central Bank governor, to succeed Peter Praet, whose term of office expires on 31 May.
"The Eurogroup unanimously agreed to endorse Philip Lane. As noted by several ministers today, Philip is really an excellent choice for this position."
Eurogroup President Mário Centeno
Deepening EMU - way forward on the budgetary instrument for convergence and competitiveness
Following the mandate given by EU leaders at the 14 December Euro Summit, the Eurogroup in inclusive format continued to discuss the deepening of the Economic and Monetary Union.
Ministers held a first exchange of views on the way forward regarding the budgetary instrument for convergence and competitiveness for the euro area and European Exchange Rate Mechanism ERM II member states on a voluntary basis.
"You all remember this was a controversial topic in December, but we are in a new phase now. The instrument was agreed by leaders and now we need to flesh out the details. The attitude around the table is constructive and I am sure we will come to an agreement in time for June."
Eurogroup President Mário Centeno
"The Eurogroup unanimously agreed to endorse Philip Lane. As noted by several ministers today, Philip is really an excellent choice for this position."
