(L-R) Gilles Roth, Luxembourg Minister of Finance; n.c.; Peter Paluš, Head of the Financial Unit at the Permanent Representation of Slovakia to the European Union and Member of the Economic and Financial Committee (EFC); Credit: European Union

On Friday 10 July 2026, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Finance reported on the attendance of Minister of Finance Gilles Roth at the meetings of the Eurogroup and the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) in Brussels, which took place from Thursday 9 to Friday 10 July.

According to the ministry, during the Eurogroup meeting, the Finance Ministers held an exchange of views with the President of the European Fiscal Board, Pieter Hasekamp, on the coordination of fiscal policies. Discussions then focused on the international role of the euro and the Eurogroup’s work programme for the coming months.

During the Eurogroup meeting in open format, the Finance Ministers examined the implications of artificial intelligence for cybersecurity in the financial sector, as well as the prospects for AI development in Europe, in the presence of Mistral’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Arthur Mensch. In addition, the Finance Ministers adopted a common position on the development of digital finance.

During the Ecofin Council meeting, the Irish Presidency presented its work programme and priorities for the next six months, focusing on the three pillars of competitiveness, values and security. The Presidency of the European Council is operating under the motto: “Ní neart go cur le chéile – Strength with unity”.

Furthermore, the Finance Ministers held a policy debate on the legislative package concerning the integration of capital markets. Luxembourg continues to act constructively in order to find a solution suitable for all European Union Member States.

Subsequently, the Council adopted the Council implementing decisions amending the recovery and resilience plans, including that of Luxembourg. The Finance Ministers also took stock of the economic and financial repercussions of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

As part of the 2026 European Semester, the Council examined and adopted the country-specific recommendations and approved conclusions relating to the in-depth reviews carried out in 2026 under the macroeconomic imbalance procedure.

The Ecofin Council meeting concluded with preparations for the mandate of the European Union Finance Ministers and central bank governors ahead of the G20 meeting scheduled for the end of August.

Minister Roth commented: “Our discussions confirmed the importance of a united Europe, capable of strengthening its competitiveness, supporting technological innovation, preserving economic stability and stimulating growth. Luxembourg is committed to a solution that advances the integration of capital markets, while taking into account the interests of all Member States and all citizens.”

On the margins of the meetings, Minister Roth attended a presentation of the European Tech Champions Initiative, which aims to mobilise €80 billion through the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Moreover, Minister Roth held discussions with Arthur Mensch, CEO of Mistral. The ministry said this exchange provided an opportunity to discuss the prospects for artificial intelligence development, as well as the opportunities it offers for Luxembourg and Europe.