ECB President Christine Lagarde on the digital euro and Europe’s financial future

As Europe moves closer to a digital euro, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde discusses the future of Europe’s currency and the importance of payment sovereignty.

Speaking with Josh Lipsky at the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Lagarde also weighs in on inflation, economic growth, and the ECB’s monetary policy outlook.

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Image: The European Central Bank’s digital euro webpage is displayed on a smartphone alongside euro banknotes and coins in this photo illustration, as policymakers advance plans for a potential central bank digital currency. Taken in Brussels, Belgium, on 21 February 2026. (Jonathan Raa / Sipa USA)