Previous Chairpersons of the ESM Board of Governors

Jean-Claude Juncker was appointed the first Chairperson of the ESM Board of Governors during its inaugural meeting on 8 October 2012. During his term, the ESM’s first programme – a stability support package for the recapitalisation of Spain’s banking system – was decided. In 2010 and 2011, while Mr Juncker was President of the Eurogroup, the stability support programmes under the temporary European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) were decided for Ireland, Portugal, and Greece.

During his term as Chairperson, Jeroen Dijsselbloem oversaw the negotiations leading to an ESM stability support programme for Cyprus. He was also instrumental in the process of agreeing the terms of the ESM programme for Greece in 2015. The programme enabled Greece to remain in the euro area. During Mr Dijsselbloem’s term, two new Members – Latvia and Lithuania – joined the ESM. The process of negotiating the ESM reform was also launched under his chairmanship. In addition, Mr Dijsselbloem sponsored the ESM transparency initiative, whereby programme-related documents are published on the ESM website.

Mário Centeno was Chairperson when Greece successfully completed its ESM programme in 2018. He also led the discussions that resulted in the approval of short-term and medium-term debt relief measures for Greece. As Chairperson, Mr Centeno was heading the process of negotiating ESM reform, which was approved in principle in December 2019. Also, under his chairmanship the ESM Pandemic Crisis Support credit line was negotiated and made operational on 15 May 2020.