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Lagarde comments at ECB press conference

By Reuters Reuters
European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde walks following the Governing Council's meeting, in Frankfurt, Germany June 11, 2026. REUTERS/Heiko Becker
European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde walks following the Governing Council's meeting, in Frankfurt, Germany June 11, 2026. REUTERS/Heiko Becker Heiko Becker Reuters

FRANKFURT - The European Central Bank raised interest rates for the first time in nearly three years on Thursday, by a quarter point to 2.25%, to try and curb inflation before a surge in energy costs triggered by the Iran war spreads across the euro zone economy.

Following are highlights of ECB President Christine Lagarde's comments at a news conference after the policy meeting.

LABOUR DEMAND COOLS

"Labour demand has cooled further, and firms and households expect the labour market to weaken."

SURVEYS POINT TO SLOWDOWN

"The war in the Middle East is weighing on activity, and surveys are pointing to a slowdown, especially in services."

(Reporting by Reuters Global News Desk)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 7:58 AM.

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