Lagarde: “I will step down as President of the ECB on 7 February 2027”
The governor’s announcement on social media and the confirmation by European Council President Costa
“I am leaving this institution with a sense of a job well done and an ECB that is ready for the future.” In a short video shared on social media, ECB President Christine Lagarde explained her decision to step down from her post on 7 February, describing the institution a ‘rock’. For Lagarde, “it has been a great honour to serve this institution”, she said, thanking “everyone who has put up with me on this journey over the past seven years”. The announcement was officially communicated today to the ECB’s Governing Council and to the President of the European Council, António Costa. The decision marks an early departure from the natural end of her eight-year term, which was originally scheduled for 31 October 2027.
Reactions were immediate. “I have been informed by Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, of her intention to step down from her post on 7 February 2027. I respectfully acknowledge her decision,” announced the President of the European Council Antonio Costa. “Throughout her term of office, she has led the European Central Bank with a strong sense of duty and responsibility. Europe has benefited greatly from her leadership in times of uncertainty and from her unwavering commitment to the European project. Despite a global pandemic, a war in Europe, energy crises and inflationary shocks, he has provided firm and determined leadership, helping to safeguard the stability and resilience of the euro area,” commented Costa on social media.
Messages of thanks on social media have also come from the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen: “Christine! Thank you for everything you have done for Europe and for the euro. From the pandemic to Russia’s war of aggression, your steady hand has helped to keep our economy stable and resilient. You have championed greater financial integration within the Union. And on the world stage, you embody what every currency needs: trust and authority. This is how you have strengthened Europe’s economic sovereignty and consolidated the euro’s international role, a goal that was very close to your heart. ‘The world needs more leaders like you. And I hope that many more women will follow in your footsteps,’ wrote von der Leyen.
The President of the Eurogroup Kyriakos Pierrakakis thanked Ms Lagarde for her exceptional contribution to the stability of the euro area and for the leadership she has shown during this difficult economic period. Our common currency forms the foundation of the euro area and ensures its economic stability. The euro represents a milestone in the process of European integration and one of its most tangible and valuable elements. Christine Lagarde’s tenure at the helm of the ECB has only served to strengthen confidence in the single European currency. “The Eurogroup will act promptly to prepare the EU Council’s recommendation to the European Council regarding the appointment,” he added.
‘I would like to express my deep gratitude to Christine Lagarde for her commitment to Europe and for the resolute leadership she has shown at the helm of the European Central Bank in the service of the stability of the euro area and the prosperity of our Union during a period marked by numerous crises. Her career reminds us that stability is never a given: it is built through resolute action, a sense of the common good and confidence in our shared future. Thank you for your contribution to a strong and resilient Europe. The transition at the helm of the ECB must now be prepared in an orderly and balanced manner with our European partners.’ This was stated by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, in a post on X.
