Juncker to meet Dijsselbloem before euro meeting

[January 17, 2013]  BRUSSELS (AP) -- The outgoing leader of the group of finance ministers from the 17 European Union countries that use the euro is meeting with Jeroen Dijsselbloem on Friday, another indication the Dutch finance minister will take the post next week.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker announced late Wednesday that he will discuss the situation within the eurozone with Dijsselbloem as well as prepare next Monday's meeting, when he will step down.

Dijsselbloem's name to lead the so-called Eurogroup, the regular meetings of eurozone finance ministers, has been going round diplomatic circles for a few weeks.

The Eurogroup chief has a key role in negotiating financial policies in the currency union, which is still struggling to emerge from its financial crisis.

[Associated Press]

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