Piero Cipollone: Europe and Monetary Sovereignty
In a February 2026 speech, ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone warned that Europe’s monetary sovereignty is threatened by growing dependencies on foreign payment systems and digital assets. He argued that control over the euro, both in cash and digital form, is essential for economic security and advocated for a digital euro and tokenised central‑bank money to reduce reliance on non‑European card schemes and stablecoins. The ECB announced two initiatives – the Pontes bridge for DLT settlement and the Appia ecosystem – to build a pan‑European digital‑finance infrastructure. He also highlighted expanding TIPS links to reinforce the euro’s global role.
ECB Appoints Thomas Broeng Jorgensen as Director General Specialised Institutions and Less Significant Institutions
The European Central Bank appointed Thomas Broeng Jorgensen as Director General for Specialised Institutions and Less Significant Institutions, effective 1 March 2026. In this role he will directly supervise specialised banks and coordinate the oversight of less‑significant banks through national supervisors. Jorgensen succeeds Patrick Amis,...
Luis De Guindos: Interview with Econostream Media
ECB Vice‑President Luis de Guindos told Econostream that inflation has fallen to 1.7% headline and core inflation is edging toward the 2% target, while the euro‑area economy is proving more resilient than expected. He highlighted downside risks from geopolitical flashpoints and...
Christine Lagarde: European Parliament Plenary Debate on the ECB Annual Report
In a February 9, 2026 speech to the European Parliament, ECB President Christine Lagarde reaffirmed the central bank’s independence while emphasizing its accountability to elected officials. She reported that headline inflation has fallen to 1.7% in January and is expected...
Statement From Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde announced that François Villeroy de Galhau will leave his post as Governor of the Banque de France after an eleven‑year tenure. Lagarde highlighted Villeroy's realism, strong European convictions, and collaborative style as assets to...