The euro strengthened  on speculation European officials meeting today in Brussels will advance plans to tackle the region’s debt crisis.

The common currency gained as French Finance Minister Francois Baroin said negotiations between Greece and its private creditors are making “tangible progress.”

European Union finance ministers are gathering in Brussels to discuss a Greek debt swap, new budget rules and a financial firewall to protect indebted states.

The German government is considering proposals to run the temporary and permanent European rescue funds in parallel if needed, potentially creating a bigger firewall against the region’s debt crisis, according to Steffen Seibert, the government’s chief spokesman.

EUR/USD: the pair has grown above $1,3000.

GBP/USD: the pair become stronger, but not managed to overcome $1,5580.

USD/JPY: the pair receded below Y77.00.