Finland's Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen is stepping down in a surprise move, suggesting the politician known for his role in the eurozone crisis is jockeying to contend for a top European Union leadership slot. Katainen disclosed his decision publicly at a political meeting on Saturday night, signalling an end to his decade-long tenure as leader of the centre-right National CoaBlition. He will resign after his term as Party leader expires in June.

His departure isn't expected to trigger the immediate collapse of Finland's government. In the most likely scenario, his successor as Party leader will become the next prime minister. Parliamentary elections are set for 2015.