Lagarde says euro-area economy is resilient, digital euro imminent
Summary
ECB President Christine Lagarde said euro-area inflation reached 3.8% in September, largely due to energy costs, and may remain above target through the first half of 2027. She said a measured policy response is appropriate as the ECB expects energy pressures to ease next year. The ECB is also preparing a digital euro for everyday retail payments, which Lagarde said could support competition and Europe’s autonomy in payments. Separately, the ECB has launched Pontes, a settlement system for wholesale tokenized assets using central bank money, with full implementation expected by 2028.
