On 29 September 2015, the Centre for Political and Foreign Affairs (CPFA) in Paris welcomed Yanis Varoufakis, former Greek Minister of Finance, for a discussion moderated by Renaud Girard. Varoufakis, who had earlier that year resigned from his ministerial post after leading Greece’s high-profile negotiations with its European creditors, brought to the debate his first-hand experience of the eurozone crisis and his critique of austerity policies.

In his remarks, Varoufakis explored the future of Europe in light of the financial turmoil, democratic deficits, and the strains placed on EU institutions. He reflected on his confrontations with the Eurogroup, arguing that Europe faced a choice between deeper integration on fairer terms or continued fragmentation. He also touched on global political economy, pointing to the interconnection between financial instability, governance, and the rise of populist movements.

The event provided participants—experts, and policymakers—with an opportunity to hear from one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of the post-crisis settlement. Varoufakis’s intervention underscored CPFA’s commitment to widening debate beyond traditional diplomacy, by engaging with figures whose experience at the heart of economic decision-making sheds light on broader questions of democracy, sovereignty, and the future of Europe.