Christine Lagarde, the President of the European Central Bank (ECB), has called for immediate, temporary measures to address the consequences of the ongoing war, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the eurozone economy while keeping public finances healthy. During a press conference, she noted that any fiscal response to the energy price shocks must be temporary, targeted, and adaptive in nature. This approach aims to mitigate economic distress without compromising financial stability in the long term.

In her remarks, Lagarde pointed out the current energy crisis as a stark reminder of the critical need to reduce dependency on fossil fuels further. She asserted that transitioning to sustainable energy sources is not only a matter of addressing current economic challenges but also essential for the future resilience of the European economy. This shift requires comprehensive strategies to innovate and diversify energy supplies, along with an increased emphasis on greener technologies.

Additionally, Lagarde stressed that the completion of the union of savings and investments is crucial for financing innovation and facilitating the green and digital transitions. She mentioned the digital euro as a pivotal development that would bolster Europe's strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and financial integration, thereby reinforcing the continent's economic framework amidst global uncertainties.