Von der Leyen praises Lagarde for strengthening the EU and the euro

A president of the European Commission today thanked the President of the European Central Bank, Christine Lagarde, for the work she has done in the last seven years, considering that it has “enhanced the EU’s economic sovereignty” and the international role of the euro.

“From the pandemic to Russia’s war of aggression, its firmness and determination helped to keep our economy stable and resilient,” praises Ursula von der Leyen in a publication published on social media, after it was announced that Christine Lagarde will leave the presidency of the European Central Bank (ECB) on February 7.

Von der Leyen points out that, as president of the ECB, Lagarde “has advocated deepening financial integration in Europe” and has personified at international level “what any currency needs: trust and authority”.

“ This is how it strengthened Europe's economic sovereignty and consolidated the international role of the euro, something that was so important to you. The world needs more leaders like Christine. And I hope that many more women follow in their footsteps ", says.

In his statement, Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis thanks Christine Lagarde for her “remarkable contribution to the stability of the euro area and its leadership” in a period of “great economic challenges”.

The President of the Eurogroup stresses that the euro is a “mark in the process of European integration and one of its most tangible and valuable elements”.

“Christine Lagarde’s mandate ahead of the ECB has further strengthened confidence in the single European currency,” she says.

Pierrakakis adds that the Eurogroup will now “act quickly to prepare the EU Council’s recommendation to the European Council on appointment”.

The president of the ECB, Christine Lagarde, asked today to terminate her duties on February 7, announced the President of the European Council, António Costa, who indicated that she will begin the succession process immediately.

In a video released on social media, Christine Lagarde claims that it was “an immense pride and privilege” to serve the ECB, thanking all those who “contributed, supported and worked to fulfill” the institution’s mission of ensuring “price and financial stability”.

“ I think I leave this institution with the feeling of fulfilled duty and with an ECB prepared for the future”, he says.

Christine Lagarde has been President of the European Central Bank since November 2019. His current term of office ended in October 2027.