Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakis highlighted the importance of fostering an economy that encourages innovation upon his arrival at the Eurogroup on September 19.

Speaking in Copenhagen ahead of the informal ECOFIN and Eurogroup meetings, Pierrakakis addressed a wide array of topics, including the introduction of the digital euro and the economic consequences of ongoing geopolitical developments.

The meetings also come a year after the publication of the Draghi report, which Pierrakakis noted underscores the need to raise ambitions beyond simply removing barriers between EU member states and their economies.

He stressed the significance of collaboration in strategic sectors, including digital infrastructure such as telecommunications, and called for the simplification and modernization of public procurement in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the green transition.

According to Pierrakakis, building an economy that not only manages risks but actively promotes innovation and 21st-century growth is both necessary and achievable.

Pierrakakis is scheduled to chair discussions on innovation and digitalization with his European counterparts during tomorrow’s sessions within the framework of the informal Eurogroup and ECOFIN meetings.