The ECB Podcast

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank and former Managing Director of the IMF, discusses the latest monetary policy decisions and economic assessment for the euro area. She reveals that key interest rates will remain unchanged and delves into recent economic growth, spurred by tourism and digital services. Lagarde also highlights the challenges posed by global trade tensions, ongoing inflation dynamics, and the advancement of the Digital Euro Project, outlining the intricate balance of risks and reforms needed for future stability.

The verdict on climate change is bleaker than ever before. The remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to 1.5°C is rapidly shrinking – equivalent to just three years of emissions at current rates. What is the scientific framework known as planetary boundaries? What’s science telling us about the economic impact of climate change? And how is the ECB addressing climate and nature-related risks? Our host Paul Gordon speaks to Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and Irene Heemskerk, head of the ECB’s climate change centre, to find out why. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Recorded on 8 October 2025 and published on 14 October 2025. In this episode: 01:48 Where do we stand in the fight against climate change? What is science telling us? What could get us back on track? 05:58 Is climate change attracting enough attention? Is it being overshadowed by other challenges, like the war in Ukraine or geopolitical fragmentation? How is climate change connected to the economy? And what level of risk are we facing? 10:30 What are planetary boundaries? What is the planetary boundaries framework? 14:50 The phases of climate change How has global warming evolved over time? Are we heading for disaster? Is the 1.5°C threshold a goal or a limit? 19:15 Why is our economy dependent on climate change? Why do climate insights matter to the work of a central bank? How does the ECB take climate change into account? What risks does climate change pose to our primary mandate, price stability? And is it too late for us to take action? 23:03 What is the “right pace” for transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy? How can we balance the need for rapid change with economic interests ? 26:15 Does every step matter? What’s needed for an orderly transition? What progress has been made in recent years, and what decisions could accelerate it further? 31:55 Our guests’ hot tips Johan and Irene share their hot tips. Johan’s hot tip: The EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy, sustainable, and just food systems (published on 2 October 2025) https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01201-2/abstract TED Talks by Johan Rockström https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgqtrlixYR4 (2010) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv-tDrv__mc (2018) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Sl28fkrozE (2020) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl6VhCAeEfQ (2024) Climate change and the ECB https://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/climate/html/index.en.html The ECB Podcast: The ECB’s climate and nature plan: our path to a greener future https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/tvservices/podcast/html/ecb.pod240125_episode78.en.html The tipping points of climate change – and where we stand https://www.ted.com/talks/johan_rockstrom_the_tipping_points_of_climate_change_and_where_we_stand?subtitle=en&geo=de ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank/

Sharon Donnery, a member of the ECB Supervisory Board and expert in banking stability, joins the conversation to discuss how Europe’s banks are faring amid geopolitical tensions and the climate crisis. They explore the complexities of banking regulations and the potential for simplification without sacrificing resilience. Sharon uses a chair analogy to illustrate how to keep instructions clear yet strong. The changes in supervision processes aim for quicker responses and enhanced focus on key risks, ultimately benefiting both banks and consumers.

Today our Governing Council decided on monetary policy. Listen to President Christine Lagarde present today’s decisions. The statement also covers: • how the economy is performing • how we expect prices to develop • the risks to the economic outlook • the dynamics behind financial and monetary conditions Published and recorded during our press conference on 11 September 2025. Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 11 September 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2025/html/mopo_statement_explained_september.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 11 September 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2025/html/ecb.is250911~a13675b834.en.html Monetary policy decisions, 11 September 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2025/html/ecb.mp250911~6afb7a9490.en.html Combined monetary policy decisions and statement, 11 September 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/shared/pdf/ecb.ds250911~df624f06ba.en.pdf Macroeconomic projections, 11 September 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/projections/html/ecb.projections202509_ecbstaff~c0da697d54.en.html European Central Bank https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html

Christine Lagarde discusses the European Central Bank's decision to hold key interest rates steady as inflation stabilizes at 2%. The conversation dives into the resilience of the euro area's economy amidst global uncertainties and the potential risks ahead. There's also an analysis of recent bank lending survey results, highlighting stable credit standards for business loans and competitive lending practices. The commitment to maintain interest rates aims to achieve inflation targets and supports ongoing economic stability.

This discussion dives into the impact of increased defense spending on green energy and digital infrastructure investments. Experts explore the implications of US tariff threats on the ECB and how they could shape Europe’s economic landscape. The conversation also addresses whether the ECB favors larger economies over smaller ones and the support for nations like Slovenia. Finally, the podcast investigates the dual nature of artificial intelligence, weighing its potential benefits against risks to the financial sector.

Tariffs and geopolitical conflicts have created uncertainty around the world. But how does the new trade environment affect inflation and the economy? How can central banks adapt? And what is the potential impact on the dominance of the US dollar ? In the third episode of our special Sintra series of the ECB Podcast, our host Paul Gordon talks to London School of Economics Professor Silvana Tenreyro. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Published on 4 July 2025 and recorded on 1 July 2025. In this episode: 01:30 How is the world economy doing? What developments are having an impact on our economy today? And what uncertainties are arising from tariffs, trade fragmentation and armed conflicts in different parts of the world? 03:30 Tariffs, trade fragmentation and the economy How can trade tariffs and fragmentation affect economic growth and inflation in the euro area and beyond? 06:25 How are prices changing? How are prices changing in different countries? Will tariffs cause prices in the United States to rise, and those in Asia and Europe to fall? And why? 07:55 Lessons for central banks Given the extremely high level of uncertainty, what lessons from past shocks can central banks apply in the future? Why do we need clearly defined frameworks? And what role do governments play? 09:55 How can governments prepare for potential shocks? Investing in technologies that are difficult to substitute, diversifying energy sources and creating buffers for critical inputs – why it’s crucial that governments have a strategy to withstand various shocks. 12:05 What is a dominant currency? When is a currency considered internationally “dominant”? And what dominant currencies have there been in the past? 13:40 Dollar dominance and monetary policy transmission Does dollar dominance in international trade transactions reduce the effectiveness of monetary policy? 17:30 The future of dollar dominance How will the dominance of the US dollar develop in the future? Is its role as a primary reserve currency at risk due to the Trump Administration’s policies? 19:10 What keeps you up at night? What happens to our economy if there is a sudden shortage of a certain input? What impact will AI have if it remains largely unregulated? And what do stablecoins and digital currencies mean for our economy? 21:00 Our guest’s hot tip Silvana shares her hot tip with our listeners. Further readings: Michael McLeay and Silvana Tenreyro: Dollar dominance and the transmission of monetary policy https://personal.lse.ac.uk/tenreyro/dominant_currency.pdf Sintra Series episode 1/4: Price stability in times of change https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/tvservices/podcast/html/ecb.pod250702_episode110.en.html Sintra Series episode 2/4: Adapting to change: Ensuring price stability in a new geopolitical era https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/tvservices/podcast/html/ecb.pod250625_episode109.en.html Silvana’s hot tip I’m still here/Ainda estou aqui ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank/

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England, and Chang-Yong Ri, Governor of the Bank of Korea, join Jay Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, and Kazuo Ueda, Governor of the Bank of Japan, to tackle pressing economic challenges. They delve into strategies for combating inflation while navigating geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties. The conversation also touches on the implications of digital currencies, the importance of trust among central bankers, and the risks posed by AI on public perception, offering insights into future monetary policies.

In this engaging discussion, Philip R. Lane, the Chief Economist and Executive Board member at the ECB, explores the intricate relationship between geopolitical uncertainty and inflation. He delves into the ECB's recent interest rate adjustments and the need for a flexible, data-driven monetary policy. Lane emphasizes the importance of integrating risks into decision-making and discusses upcoming topics at the ECB Forum in Sintra. He also shares a valuable hot tip for navigating these challenging economic landscapes.

In this discussion, President Christine Lagarde outlines the latest monetary policy decisions aimed at targeting a 2% inflation rate. The conversation delves into the current economic performance and anticipated price developments. Key risks affecting the economic outlook are explored, alongside insights into the dynamics of financial and monetary conditions. It's an enlightening look at how policy changes are crafted to stabilize the euro area economy.