- 3d ago
ECB opens public vote on new euro banknote designs, first full redesign since 2002
Ten designs across two themes, European culture and rivers & birds, are up for public consultation until 21 September 2026, ahead of the first full redesign since the euro's launch in 2002.
- 3d ago
ECB unveils 10 candidate designs for first full euro banknote redesign since 2002, opens public survey until 21 September
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde presented 10 proposed designs for a new series of euro banknotes on 23 July 2026, drawn from two themes: 'European culture' and 'Rivers and birds'. A public online survey runs until 21 September 2026.
- 3d ago
ECB holds rates at 2.25% as energy shock from Middle East conflict clouds inflation outlook
The European Central Bank left its deposit rate unchanged at 2.25% on Thursday, judging that the full inflationary impact of the Middle East conflict and surging oil prices has yet to materialise.
- 4d ago
ECB holds rates at 2.25% but signals September hike as oil hits $100 on Iran war escalation
The European Central Bank left its deposit rate at 2.25% on Thursday but warned that a fresh jump in energy prices, with Brent crude touching $100 a barrel, could force another increase in September.
- 4d ago
ECB unveils finalist designs for new euro banknotes with da Vinci, Beethoven, Callas; public vote open until 21 September
The European Central Bank presented 10 finalist designs for the next series of euro banknotes on 23 July, launching a public consultation that runs until 21 September. The proposals feature cultural icons like Leonardo da Vinci and Maria Callas, or rivers and birds.
- 4d ago
ECB holds deposit rate at 2.25% as Strait of Hormuz crisis keeps Brent crude near $100 and September hike looms
The European Central Bank held its key interest rates on Thursday, pausing after June's first hike in three years, as it gauges the inflation fallout from the blocked Strait of Hormuz and Brent crude near $100.
- Jul 3
ECB's Lagarde refuses to rule out early exit to join French presidential debate
ECB President Christine Lagarde said it was 'possible' she could step down before her term ends in October 2027 to inject a 'European voice' into France's presidential debate, reviving speculation about an early departure.
- Jul 2
Fed Chair Warsh pledges independence, inflation fight, and data reforms at Sintra forum
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh used his first international speech to double down on the 2% inflation target, reject political pressure, and outline plans to overhaul the Fed's data and decision-making.
- Jun 30
Euribor flatlines at 2.80% in June amid Middle East peace hopes, yet mortgage bills keep climbing
Spain’s Euribor, the benchmark for most variable-rate mortgages, closed June at 2.801%, nearly unchanged from May’s two-decade high of 2.804%. The pause follows an ECB rate hike and tentative US-Iran peace talks that cooled inflation fears, but year-on-year comparisons mean households reviewing loans face increases of up to €130 a month.
- Jun 30
Lagarde defends ECB rate hike as eurozone braces for inflation from Iran conflict
ECB President Christine Lagarde defended the first interest rate increase in nearly three years at the Sintra forum, arguing that the eurozone's improved resilience to shocks justified the move, but she cautioned that the durability of a US-Iran agreement is not guaranteed.
- Jun 12
ECB raises interest rates to 2.25% in first hike since 2023 as Iran war fuels inflation
The European Central Bank lifted its key deposit rate by 25 basis points on Thursday, the first increase since September 2023, responding to inflation driven by the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Jun 11
ECB raises rates for the first time since 2023, citing Iran war energy shock and inflation at 3.2%
The European Central Bank lifted its key deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, its first increase in three years, responding to an inflation spike driven by the conflict in Iran.
- Jun 11
ECB raises deposit rate to 2.25%, first hike since September 2023, to combat 3.2% inflation fuelled by Iran war
The European Central Bank raised its benchmark deposit rate by a quarter-point to 2.25% on Thursday, its first increase in nearly three years, as the war in Iran clogs the Strait of Hormuz and sends energy prices soaring across the eurozone.
