Eurogroup, 16 February 2026

Main results

In regular format

Euro area recommendation for 2026

The Eurogroup discussed the draft Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area for 2026, with a view to its approval by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council the next day.

• Draft Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area 2026
• Explanatory note to the draft Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area

International role of the euro

Ministers exchanged views on the state of play and possible policy actions to strengthen the international role of the euro, with a view to promoting European monetary sovereignty.

The international role of the euro relies heavily on progress related to current Eurogroup priorities such as the savings and investment Union and the development of digital finance.

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, President of the Eurogroup

• International role of the euro (background information)
• The euro (background information)

 Miscellaneous

• Appointment of the President of the Eurogroup Working Group

The Eurogroup decided to re-appoint Mr Tuomas Saarenheimo as President of the Eurogroup Working Group for a fourth two-year term starting on 1 April 2026.

• Eurogroup reconfirms Tuomas Saarenheimo as President of the Eurogroup working group (press release, 16 February 2026)
• Eurogroup Working Group (background information)

In inclusive format

Global imbalances in the context of geo-economic risks

In inclusive format, that is, with ministers from both euro and non-euro area countries, the Eurogroup held an exchange of views on global imbalances against the backdrop of current geo-economic risks. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance of Canada, joined the discussion and Professor Hélène Rey, Chair of the G7 independent academic expert group on global imbalances, introduced the topic.

The EU is not at the epicentre of global imbalances but has an interest that they remain sustainable. I had a good exchange on this subject with my colleagues, as well as our guest François-Philippe Champagne, the finance minister of Canada.

Kyriakos Pierrakakis, President of the Eurogroup

Miscellaneous

Germany informed the Eurogroup about a new initiative launched by six EU member states.