The European Council published remarks from the Eurogroup chair summarising ministers’ discussions on Bulgaria’s euro changeover, the euro area’s 2026 governance priorities and the process to fill the European Central Bank (ECB) Vice-President vacancy. The Eurogroup endorsed Boris Vujčić, Governor of the Croatian National Bank, for the upcoming ECB Vice-President role. Ministers took stock of Bulgaria’s euro adoption, with euro notes and coins in use as legal tender since 1 January 2026, bringing the euro area to 21 countries. On euro area governance, the Eurogroup discussed the European Commission’s proposed 2026 recommendations, focused on competitiveness, resilience and macroeconomic and financial stability, and also reviewed G7-related developments including the French presidency’s priorities of global imbalances, international partnerships and balanced growth. Eurogroup deputies and experts will work towards finalising the 2026 euro area recommendations for agreement at the February meeting. On the ECB appointment, the chair indicated he would brief the Economic and Financial Affairs Council on 20 January, after which the Council’s procedure for a formal recommendation will follow, with a final decision to be taken by the European Council after consultation with the ECB and the European Parliament, aiming for Vujčić to take up the post from 1 June 2026.
European Council 2026-01-19
European Council publishes Eurogroup endorsement of Boris Vujčić for ECB Vice-President and starts work on 2026 euro area recommendations
The European Council released remarks from the Eurogroup chair on Bulgaria's euro adoption, euro area governance priorities for 2026, and the ECB Vice-President vacancy. The Eurogroup endorsed Boris Vujčić, Governor of the Croatian National Bank, for the ECB Vice-President role. Discussions included the European Commission's 2026 recommendations on competitiveness, resilience, and stability, with final recommendations expected in February.