Greek National Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis has been elected president of the Eurogroup, securing a simple majority to lead the influential body of eurozone finance ministers.
Mr. Pierrakakis edged out Belgian counterpart Vincent Van Peteghem in a vote that pitted two members of the center-right European People’s Party (EPP) against each other.
He will serve a two-and-a-half-year term, marking a symbolic milestone for Greece a decade after the country nearly exited the single currency bloc during its debt crisis.
"I wish you every success at the helm of the Eurogroup as it evolves, adapts, and confronts the challenges of the future," Latvian Finance Minister Arvils Ašeradens wrote in a congratulatory message.
The election fills the vacancy left by Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, who resigned in November.
Cyprus Finance Minister Makis Keravnos had been serving as acting president.
Mr. Pierrakakis, 42, takes the reins at a pivotal moment.
Beyond fiscal coordination, ministers on Thursday discussed the contentious issue of managing €300 billion in frozen Russian assets. Belgium has raised significant legal concerns regarding the use of these funds to aid Ukraine, a debate the new president must now navigate.
The Eurogroup president is a key figure in EU economic governance, representing the 20 euro-area nations in negotiations with the European Commission and the European Central Bank.
Mr. Pierrakakis's victory is widely viewed as a validation of Greece's economic recovery and fiscal discipline in recent years.