Euro Matters – the European Central Bank Podcast

Today our Governing Council decided on monetary policy, determined to ensure that inflation stabilises at our two percent target. 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 10 September 2026. Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 10 September 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2026/html/mopo_statement_explained_september.en.html Christine Lagarde, Boris Vujčić: Monetary policy statement, 10 September 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu...

Salaries, savings, spending – we trust our banks to handle it all. But how do we know our money is really safe? In our latest What the Euro?! episode, Catherine and François discuss how supervisors keep a close watch on your bank’s financial health and help protect your deposits. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. ECB Banking Supervision website https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/about/html/index.en.html FAQ on banking supervision https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/press/other-publications/publications/html/ssm.faq_about~c50751c039.en.html...

What could wars and cyberattacks mean for your savings? In this episode of Euro Matters, Paul Gordon speaks with Supervisory Board member Sharon Donnery about some of the biggest risks facing European banks. They discuss how the ECB tests banks’ ability to keep your money safe during times of uncertainty – and why trust matters for savers, borrowers and the wider economy. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. ECB publishes results of 2026 geopolitical risk reverse stress test – press release https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2026/html/ssm.pr260731~93964644b0.en...

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 23 July 2026. Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 23 July 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2026/html/mopo_statement_explained_july.en.html Christine Lagarde, Boris Vujčić: Monetary policy statement, 23 July 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2026/html/ecb.is260723~b6fadd48f4.en.ht...

Why can’t we just print more money? What’s one thing everyone should know about finance? Can universities prepare us for an AI-driven future? And what makes countries want to adopt the euro? These questions came from you, our listeners. So at the ECB Forum on Central Banking in Sintra, we grabbed a mic and put the questions to the experts. Hear their answers in the latest What the Euro?! episode. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Published on 21 July, and recorded on 30 June and 1 July 2026. Further reading: AI a...

What does AI mean for your job, our economy and Europe’s future? In this episode of Euro Matters, Stefania Secola speaks to Ronnie Chatterji – Chief Economist at OpenAI – about AI adoption, productivity and inequality. They also discuss competition and whether the technology can become a force for broad-based prosperity. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank.

At this year’s ECB Forum on Central Banking in Sintra, Portugal, President Christine Lagarde sat down with central bank heads from the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. They discussed how they are fighting inflation, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Published and recorded on 1 July 2026. 2026 ECB Forum on Central Banking https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/html/20260629_ecb_forum_on_central_banking.en.html European Central Bank https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html European banking supervision https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html

Life is getting more expensive – but what can we actually do when our wallets feel the squeeze? In our latest What the Euro?! episode, Emilie Bellet – founder of financial empowerment community Vestpod and host of the Wallet podcast – talks to Catherine about money stress, everyday overspending and the habits that really make a difference. From “money dates” to smarter saving, get practical tips to feel more in control – even when things are getting more expensive. This episode’s content is not financial advice. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank.

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 June 2026. Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 11 June 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2026/html/mopo_statement_explained_june.en.html Christine Lagarde, Boris Vujčić: Monetary policy statement, 11 June 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2026/html/ecb.is260611~372040d313.en.html Moneta...

War in the Middle East, soaring energy prices and upside risks to inflation are clouding the financial stability outlook for the euro area. How resilient are banks and markets? Are investors underestimating geopolitical risks? And how exposed is the financial system to stretched asset valuations? In this episode of Euro Matters, Paul Gordon speaks with John Fell about these questions and more. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Further reading: Financial Stability review at a glance https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/financial-stability-publications/fsr/html/index.en.html Financial...

Catherine’s favourite falafel wrap went from €5 to €7 – and it sent her down a rabbit hole. Join our host as she explores a simple question: why do prices seem to be going up all the time? Along the way, you’ll uncover what’s behind the cost-of-living squeeze, why it hits people differently and what the ECB is doing about it. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Further reading: Espresso Economics – Inflation stats vs your reality: the disconnect explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi-gZoA9WGk ECB Instagram https://www.in...

Did prices rise when Bulgaria adopted the euro? Or were fears of inflation misplaced? The numbers tell a clear story. Christine Gartner and Ginevra Aguiari talk about what really happened to prices and inflation in Bulgaria and explain how perceptions and expectations have changed. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Further reading The ECB Blog – Euro adoption and price increases in Bulgaria: separating myths from facts https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/blog/date/2026/html/ecb.blog20260409~cc951a0d29.en.html ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank

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 30 April 2026. Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 30 April 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2026/html/mopo_statement_explained_april.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 30 April 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2026/html/ecb.is260430~f99cb123a8.en.h...

AI is everywhere, but does it automatically put your job at risk? In this episode of What the Euro?!, our host Catherine speaks to Laura – ECB economist specialising in AI and the labour market – to separate fact from fiction. They discuss how widespread AI use is, what factors lead to job losses or job creation and who stands to benefit the most in the new world of work. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Further reading: The ECB Blog – Artificial Intelligence: friend or foe for hiring in Europe today? https...

Tariffs are the highest in a century and the war in Iran has triggered a fresh energy shock. Christiane Nickel explains how uncertainty caused by trade policy and war is affecting euro area growth and inflation. Recorded on 27 March 2026 and published on 7 April 2026.

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 19 March 2026. Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 19 March 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2026/html/mopo_statement_explained_march.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 19 March 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2026/html/ecb.is260319~93b1cbad97.en.ht...

Are we really watching cash disappear, or is that just what people on TikTok say? In this episode of What the Euro?!, our host Catherine digs into the real story behind cash. To find out everything you need to know, she speaks to experts about how we’re using it, why it matters, why it’ll stay and what’s changing with new banknote designs and the digital euro. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank.

Our podcast has a new name – welcome to Euro Matters! In the first episode of our In Conversation series, President Christine Lagarde shares her own path to financial knowledge and explains why knowing about money matters – especially for women. Recorded on 17 February 2026 and published on 3 March 2026. In this episode: 01:10 – Why do financial topics make people feel uncomfortable? 02:15 – President Lagarde’s early experiences with managing finances 03:15 – Why is low financial knowledge a problem in Europe? And why does it matter for women in particular? 05:38 – How can women build confidence and take ownership of their finances? 06:40 – President Lagarde talks about the first time she realise...

How safe are our banks in the euro area? The world around us is changing – geopolitical tensions , AI and climate change can all pose risks to banks. So how can banks best manage their risks? What are supervisors focusing on in the coming year? And what measures are they taking to make supervision less complex? Our host Stefania Secola speaks to Supervisory Board Chair Claudia Buch to find out. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Recorded on 4 February 2026 and published on 17 February 2026. In this episode: 00:57 How safe is your ba...

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 5 February 2026. Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 5 February 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2026/html/mopo_statement_explained_february.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 5 February 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2026/html/ecb.is260205~50858cb986.en.html Mone...

How much do you spend on food every month? Food is one expense we simply can’t go without – we all need to eat, after all! But you may have noticed that your morning eggs, lunchtime sandwich, or favourite late-night snack is costing more than it used to. How have food prices changed over the past year? What’s driving the price increases? And what’s in store for our grocery bills in 2026? Our host Stefania Secola speaks to economists Elisabeth Wieland and Zivile Zekaite to answer these questions. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of...

The euro family is growing. Bulgaria is gearing up to adopt the euro. But what hopes and fears come with the transition? And were there similar feelings in other countries? To explore these questions, our podcast team spoke with content creators Mihaela, Elena and Stefan (also known as Chefo) to hear their perspectives on the transition. Meanwhile, in the podcast studio, our host Stefania Secola explored the topic with ECB researcher Ferdinand Dreher, who shed light on why public sentiment towards the euro tends to improve once people start using it in their everyday lives. The views expressed are those...

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 18 December 2025. Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 18 December 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2025/html/mopo_statement_explained_december.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 18 December 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2025/html/ecb.is251218~3a10402adb.en.html ...

When it comes to the risks to financial stability, things seem to have settled down a bit. But with trade tensions, an unpredictable US economic policy, geopolitical issues, a potential AI bubble and the rise of stablecoins, there is plenty to keep an eye on. Has the global environment really become less uncertain? And how do all these factors impact financial stability? To explore these questions and more, our host Paul Gordon speaks with financial stability expert John Fell. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Recorded on 24 November 2025 and...

Our payment habits are changing. With digital payments on the rise, we need to preserve people’s freedom to choose how to pay: there’s cash, card, online transfers – and soon, we could have a digital euro. But what is the digital euro, and how will it work? Will it replace cash? Concerns about data security and government control have sparked debate around the digital euro, often fuelled by disinformation. We separate fact from fiction as our host Stefania Secola teams up with Aidas Palubinskas from EU Finance Podcast to speak to Executive Board member Piero Cipollone about modernising our money...

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 30 October 2025. Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 30 October 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2025/html/mopo_statement_explained_october.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 30 October 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2025/html/ecb.is251030~4f74dde15e.en.ht...

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 thos...

Banks are the backbone of our economy. In a rapidly changing environment, they need to adapt and stay competitive to keep providing funding to people and businesses. But so does ECB Banking Supervision. What are we doing to become more efficient, effective and risk-focused? And how are we simplifying supervision while safeguarding resilience? Our host Stefania Secola speaks to Supervisory Board member Sharon Donnery to find out. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Published on 1 October 2025 and recorded on 24 September 2025. In this episode: 01:10 How are Europe’s banks doing? Wh...

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...

Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 24 July 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2025/html/mopo_statement_explained_july.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 24 July 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2025/html/ecb.is250724~a66e730494.en.html Monetary policy decisions, 24 July 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2025/html/ecb.mp250724~50bc70e13f.en.html Combined monetary policy decisions and statement, 24 July 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/shared/pdf/ecb.ds250724~8cbca58e07.en.pdf?df0653cc32352ba804c7d1262686b588 European Ce...

Can an increase in defence spending affect investments in green energy and digital infrastructure? What do US tariff threats mean for the ECB? How does the ECB support smaller countries in the Eurosystem? And is AI an opportunity or a risk for the financial future? In the last episode of our Sintra series, our host Stefania Secola takes us on a walk around the ECB Forum and gets top experts to answer your questions. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Published on 9 July 2025 and recorded during the ECB Forum...

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...

President Christine Lagarde sat down with central bank heads from the United States, hte United Kindgdom, South Korea, and Japan at this year's ECB Forum on Central Banking in Sintra, Portugal. They discuss the steps they've taken to fight inflation and explioe the challenges and opportunities ahead. Recorded on 1 July 2025 and published on 2 July 2025 Further reading: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/html/20250630_ecb_forum_on_central_banking.en.html European Central Bank: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html European Central Bank Supervision: https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html

How does geopolitical uncertainty affect inflation? How do we keep monetary policy fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world? And what are the main topics at this year’s ECB Forum in Sintra, Portugal? In the first episode of our special Sintra series for The ECB Podcast, our host Paul Gordon discusses all these questions and more with Chief Economist and Executive Board member, Philip R. Lane. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Published on 25 June 2025 and recorded on 16 June 2025. In this episode: 01:28 The ECB Governing Council lowered ke...

Today our Governing Council decided on monetary policy, determining what’s needed to return inflation to our 2% goal in a timely manner. Listen to President Christine Lagarde present today’s decisions. The statement also covers: • how the economy is performing • how we expect pri¬ces to develop • the risks to the economic outlook • the dynamics behind financial and monetary conditions Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 5 June 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2025/html/mopo_statement_explained_june.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 5 June 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/mone...

We live in an increasingly uncertain world. But what are the economic and financial implications of such turbulent times? What does it mean for Europe’s banking and non-bank sectors, companies, households, and government finances? And how can Europe navigate such volatility? Our host Paul Gordon discusses these questions and more with expert John Fell in the latest episode of The ECB Podcast. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Published on 22 May 2025 and recorded on 16 May 2025. In this episode: 01:50 Geopolitical developments and global financial imbalances How did markets react to...

Today our Governing Council decided on monetary policy, determining what’s needed to return inflation to our 2% goal in a timely manner. 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 Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 17 April 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2025/html/mopo_statement_explained_april.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 17 April 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-polic...

Will AI take our jobs? Does AI boost economic productivity? Is it a choice of going green or going digital? Our host Paul Gordon talks to ECB colleagues António Dias da Silva, Guzmán González-Torres Fernández and Miles Parker to find out what AI means for the economy, especially for productivity, job prospects and energy supply. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Published on 9 April 2025 and recorded on 3 April 2025. In this episode: 00:55 Is AI replacing jobs? Can AI ever replace jobs in journalism or film-making? Will AI b...

We need financial literacy to make good financial decisions. But did you know that half of Europeans have low financial literacy levels, and that 60% of them are women? Our host Stefania Secola talks to Annamaria Lusardi from Stanford University about what financial literacy is, why it matters and how we can improve it, especially among women. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Published on 13 March 2025 and recorded on 7 March 2025. In this episode: 00:01 Commitments made by central banks How did central bank Governors commit to improving financial literacy in their...

Today our Governing Council decided on monetary policy, determining what’s needed to return inflation to our 2% goal in a timely manner. 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 Our monetary policy statement at a glance, 6 March 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/visual-mps/2025/html/mopo_statement_explained_march.en.html Christine Lagarde, Luis de Guindos: Monetary policy statement, 6 March 2025 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-polic...