Frankfurt (Germany) (AFP) - The European Central Bank (ECB) left interest rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive time this Thursday and affirmed that the eurozone economy shows "resilience", despite concerns generated by the appreciation of the euro.

First modification: 02/05/2026 - 15:17

This decision is in line with analysts' expectations and maintains the guideline rate for the 21 countries that use the euro at the same level since June last year.

The marked strengthening of the euro, after eurozone inflation in January was 1.7%, below the central bank's target of 2%, fueled debate over whether the issuer should start considering a rate cut.

In a statement, the ECB stated that it expects inflation to stabilize at its 2% target "in the medium term."

An appreciation of the currency makes imports cheaper, which could further reduce inflation, which can lead consumers to delay their purchases, with negative effects for the economy as a whole.

In addition, a strong euro can weigh on key euro zone exporters, particularly Germany, the bloc's largest economy, by raising the cost of products from their companies abroad.

"The economy continues to show its resilience in a difficult global environment," the entity stated.

"The low level of unemployment, the solid balance sheets of the private sector, the gradual deployment of public spending on defense and infrastructure and the favorable effects of previous interest rate cuts are supporting growth," the issuer added.

The ECB warned that "the outlook remains uncertain, in particular due to continued global trade policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions", at a time when Europe is uneasy about the uncertainty generated by the policies of US President Donald Trump.

© 2026 AFP

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