ECB keeps rates unchanged after debating possible hike

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

FRANKFURT, GERMANY (APRIL 30, 2026) (ECB - Access all)

1 VARIOUS OF ECB PRESIDENT CHRISTINE LAGARDE ARRIVING FOR NEWS CONFERENCE FOLLOWING GOVERNING COUNCIL’S MONTHLY MEETING

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ECB PRESIDENT, CHRISTINE LAGARDE, SAYING:

“We debated the decision that we have unanimously taken today, but we also debated at length and in depth, a decision to possibly hike. So that was debated amongst all governors. And I'm sure that you will meet some governors who will argue both sides, or maybe one side of both proposals.”

3. REPORTER ASKING QUESTION

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ECB PRESIDENT, CHRISTINE LAGARDE, SAYING:

"The economic outlook is highly uncertain and will depend on how long the war in the Middle East lasts, and how strongly it affects energy and other commodity markets, as well as global supply chains. The incoming information suggests that the conflict is weighing on economic activity. Surveys point to slowing growth and consumers and businesses have become less confident about the future since the war began.”

5. REPORTER ASKING QUESTION

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ECB PRESIDENT, CHRISTINE LAGARDE, SAYING:

"I think we would all wish that there was a quick end to the war. But looking at our monetary policy and the decision that we made today, we decided to keep the three interest rates unchanged. And to address your question, I'm not going to tell you whether we are closer to the baseline scenario one, scenario two.”

7. REPORTER ASKING QUESTION

8. VICE PRESIDENT LUIS DE GUINDOS, LAGARDE AND ECB SPOKESMAN ON STAGE

9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ECB PRESIDENT, CHRISTINE LAGARDE, SAYING:

"The Governing Council highlights the urgent need to strengthen the Euro Area economy while maintaining sound public finances. Fiscal responses to the energy price shock should be temporary, targeted, and tailored.”

10. VICE PRESIDENT LUIS DE GUINDOS, LAGARDE AND ECB SPOKESMAN ON STAGE

11. REPORTER ASKING QUESTION

12. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ECB PRESIDENT, CHRISTINE LAGARDE, SAYING:

"The war in the Middle East has led to a sharp increase in energy prices, pushing up inflation and weighing on economic sentiment. The implications of the war for medium-term inflation and economic activity will depend on the intensity, the duration of the energy price shock and the scale of its indirect and second-round effects. The longer the war continues and the longer energy prices remain high, the stronger is the likely impact on broader inflation and the economy.”

13. VICE PRESIDENT LUIS DE GUINDOS, LAGARDE AND ECB SPOKESMAN ON STAGE