Christine Lagarde, ECB President, in an interview on 19 February 2026, discusses Europe’s reform prospects, geopolitical tensions, AI, digital euro, and the ECB’s legacy and future plans.
On 19 February 2026, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, was interviewed by multiple journalists including Emma Tucker, Chelsey Dulaney, Greg Ip, Nick Timiraos, Daniel Colarusso, and Amol Sharma.
Lagarde emphasized her commitment to her mandate of price stability, financial stability, and protecting the euro, stating she plans to serve until the end of her term.
She discussed Europe’s potential to address economic malaise through reforms such as Capital Markets Union, Savings and Investments Union, and energy reforms, highlighting recent momentum and upcoming European council meetings as opportunities for progress.
Lagarde addressed the idea of a multispeed Europe, citing initiatives by Spain and other member states, and the importance of coalitions of willing countries to advance reforms without fracturing the union.
She acknowledged internal and external threats, including cyber threats and hybrid warfare, and discussed the impact of U.S. political shifts, including the return of a Trump administration, on transatlantic relations.
Regarding U.S. monetary policy, she noted differences in approach between the Biden and Trump administrations and expressed support for Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell, emphasizing the importance of central bank independence.
Lagarde reflected on the ECB’s achievements, including maintaining inflation at 2%, strengthening financial stability, and advancing digital euro projects, which aim to ensure Europe’s monetary system remains fit for the future.
She highlighted the euro’s credibility, its increasing share in central bank reserves, and the importance of geopolitical strength and rule of law for its international role.
On AI and digital technology, she stressed Europe’s lag behind the U.S. and China, advocating for cooperation, harmonization of standards, and collective action to develop AI responsibly.
Lagarde also discussed the ECB’s efforts regarding digital currencies, the importance of the digital euro, and the distinction between cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.
Finally, she mentioned her future plans, including potential roles at the World Economic Forum, and reaffirmed the ECB’s independence and credibility as her legacy.
