Euro Matters – the European Central Bank Podcast

Episoder

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  What 25 years in central banking teach you – In Conversation with Boris Vujčić 15.09.2026 27min

  He’s spent over two decades in central banking, helped lead Croatia into the euro area and is now the ECB’s Vice-President. In this episode of In Conversation, Boris Vujčić joins our host Stefania Secola to reflect on the experiences that shaped him, discuss European financial stability and share his top priorities for his new role. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Boris Vujčić https://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/decisions/html/cvvujcic.en.html Speech by Boris Vujčić: Listening to households: expectations, behaviour and monetary policy https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/key/date/2026/html/ecb.sp260901~bb28f33f54.en.html ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank/ Euro Matters on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1E7EirKc3SF0dji6ZdwlVF?si=5a33d7abb83a427e Euro Matters on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/euro-matters-the-european-central-bank-podcast/id1481819425
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  President Lagarde presents the latest monetary policy decisions – 10 September 2026 10.09.2026 16min

  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/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/2026/html/ecb.is260910~6a45359cfc.en.html Monetary policy decisions, 10 September 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2026/html/ecb.mp260910~314e508016.en.html Combined monetary policy decisions and statement, 10 September 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/shared/pdf/ecb.ds260910~fbf0ab9b8d.en.pdf Macroeconomic projections, September 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/projections/html/ecb.projections202609_ecbstaff~8e340fc69d.en.html European Central Bank https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html #MonetaryPolicy #EuropeanCentralBank #ChristineLagarde #Finance #FinancialConditions #Inflation #EconomicActivity #EconomicOutlook #PressConference #Banking #CentralBanking #Podcast #Economics #EU #Europe #ECB
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  Is my money safe? 01.09.2026 22min

  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 Banking supervision explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW-5AtmyByc Keeping your money safe – In Conversation with Sharon Donnery https://pod.link/ecbpodcast/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMjM3NDA5MDkwMQ European Supervisory Authority factsheets on fraud protection https://www.eba.europa.eu/publications-and-media/press-releases/esas-publish-key-tips-help-consumers-detect-prevent-and-act-online-frauds-and-scams ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank/
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  Keeping your money safe – In Conversation with Sharon Donnery 04.08.2026 20min

  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.html ECB web page on fraud https://www.ecb.europa.eu/services/using-our-site/disclaimer/html/misuse.en.html ECB web page on consumer protection https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/about/organisation/national-supervisors/consumer-protection/html/index.en.html ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank
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  President Lagarde presents the latest monetary policy decisions – 23 July 2026 23.07.2026 14min

  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.html Monetary policy decisions, 23 July 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2026/html/ecb.mp260723~29f24d99bc.en.html Combined monetary policy decisions and statement, 23 July 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/shared/pdf/ecb.ds260723~ef801dc812.en.pdf European Central Bank https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html #MonetaryPolicy #EuropeanCentralBank #ChristineLagarde #Finance #FinancialConditions #Inflation #EconomicActivity #EconomicOutlook #PressConference #Banking #CentralBanking #Podcast #Economics #EU #Europe #ECB
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  Ask the ECB Forum: AI, money and euro adoption 21.07.2026 12min

  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 and your future – In Conversation with OpenAI’s Ronnie Chatterji https://pod.link/ecbpodcast/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMjM1MzgyMTM0NA ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank
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  AI and your future – In Conversation with OpenAI’s Ronnie Chatterji 07.07.2026 36min

  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.
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  Price stability in challenging times 01.07.2026 59min

  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
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  Money stress? What can I actually do about it? 16.06.2026 19min

  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.
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  President Lagarde presents the latest monetary policy decisions – 11 June 2026 11.06.2026 17min

  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 Monetary policy decisions, 11 June 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2026/html/ecb.mp260611~4d41bd5e83.en.html Combined monetary policy decisions and statement, 11 June 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/shared/pdf/ecb.ds260611~5b4603b5aa.en.pdf Macroeconomic projections, 11 June 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/projections/html/index.en.html European Central Bank https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html
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  When shocks collide: AI, war and financial stability – In Conversation with John Fell 02.06.2026 23min

  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 Stability Review, May 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/financial-stability-publications/fsr/html/ecb.fsr202605~50566915a7.en.html ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank
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  Why is my life so expensive? 19.05.2026 16min

  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.instagram.com/europeancentralbank
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  Bulgaria’s euro changeover: what happened to prices? With Christine Gartner and Ginevra Aguiari 12.05.2026 22min

  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
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  President Lagarde presents the latest monetary policy decisions – 30 April 2026 30.04.2026 15min

  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.html Monetary policy decisions, 30 April 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2026/html/ecb.mp260430~81b7179e6f.en.html Combined monetary policy decisions and statement, 30 April 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/shared/pdf/ecb.ds260430~1c397fa90c.en.pdf European Central Bank https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html
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  Will AI steal my job? 21.04.2026 9min

  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://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/blog/date/2026/html/ecb.blog20260304~d9e34fc95f.en.html ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank/
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  The economic fallout of tariffs and war: In Conversation with Christiane Nickel 07.04.2026 20min

  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.
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  President Lagarde presents the latest monetary policy decisions – 19 March 2026 19.03.2026 17min

  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.html Monetary policy decisions, 19 March 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2026/html/ecb.mp260319~3057739775.en.html Combined monetary policy decisions and statement, 19 March 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/press_conference/monetary-policy-statement/shared/pdf/ecb.ds260319~30247d385d.en.pdf Macroeconomic projections, 19 March 2026 https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/projections/html/ecb.projections202603_eurosystemstaff~da4f97a747.en.html European Central Bank https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/html/index.en.html
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  What’s up with cash? 17.03.2026 13min

  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.
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  Take control of your financial future: In Conversation with Christine Lagarde 03.03.2026 12min

  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 realised that financial independence matters 07:50 – President Lagarde’s first jobs 08:55 – The best financial advice President Lagarde has ever received 09:52 – The financial advice President Lagarde would give to her younger self 10:25 – President Lagarde shares her hot tip ECB web page on the gender gap https://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb-and-you/financial_literacy_europe/The-gender-gap-in-financial-literacy/html/index.en.html Financial literacy in Europe https://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb-and-you/financial_literacy_europe/html/index.en.html ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank/ EuroSteps Walking Challenge https://www.walk15.app/en/download
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  How safe is your bank? Risks, resilience and the road ahead 17.02.2026 15min

  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 bank? How are euro area banks doing? How does the ECB – together with national supervisors – examine their health? 03:51 What risks should banks be focusing on? How is the external environment in which banks operate changing? How can risks from geopolitical uncertainty, digitalisation and climate change feed through to banks? 06:02 How is supervision evolving? In a changing external environment, we need new strategies to properly manage new risks. How is European supervision adapting to become more efficient, effective and risk-focused? 08:57 Why is supervision so complex? Modern banks are complex, operating across borders and with different business models. How can we reduce undue complexity in supervision? 10:54 Let’s talk about competitiveness Do regulation and supervision hinder the competitiveness of euro area banks? What does the banking sector need to do to stay competitive, and how can European banking supervision help? 13:02 Our guest’s hot tips Claudia Buch shares her hot tips. Streamlining supervision, safeguarding resilience: https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/framework/approach/html/simplification.en.html Governing Council proposes simplification of EU banking rules: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2025/html/ecb.pr251211~aa5c9271b8.en.html Banking supervision explained https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/about/banking-supervision-explained/html/index.en.html Espresso Economics https://www.youtube.com/@Espresso_Economics ECB Instagram https://www.instagram.com/europeancentralbank/