France has now given its formal backing to Dutch finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem’s candidature as chairman of the influential euro group.

French finance minister Pierre Moscovici told broadcaster TV5 on Sunday France now accepted Dijsselbloem’s position, saying he hoped the Dutchman will continue the strategy adopted by outgoing chairman Jean-Claude Juncker.

Moscovici had earlier expressed doubts about Dijsselbloem, and called on him to outline his vision of the eurozone and the euro.

The appointment is expected to be finalised at today’s meeting of eurozone finance ministers.