All ECB policymakers agreed to leave rates unchanged at the July meeting, following the first rate hike since 2023 in June, citing elevated uncertainty and the fact that the full inflationary impact of the energy shock had yet to emerge, according to the latest minutes. However, some said they would not have opposed another hike, noting that the likelihood of further tightening becoming unnecessary remained low. Policymakers saw upside risks to inflation and downside risks to growth from geopolitical developments in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war, while stressing that communication should remain clear to avoiding any pre-commitment to a September move. The minutes emphasized that the July pause should not be interpreted as the end of the tightening cycle, with another hike likely unless the inflation outlook improves significantly. At the same time, policymakers wanted to keep the September decision open, allowing room for the medium-term inflation outlook to improve. source: European Central Bank

The benchmark interest rate In the Euro Area was last recorded at 2.40 percent. Interest Rate in Euro Area averaged 1.88 percent from 1998 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 4.75 percent in October of 2000 and a record low of 0.00 percent in March of 2016. This page provides - Euro Area Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Euro Area Interest Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on August of 2026.

The benchmark interest rate In the Euro Area was last recorded at 2.40 percent. Interest Rate in Euro Area is expected to be 2.65 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Euro Area Interest Rate is projected to trend around 2.40 percent in 2027 and 2.15 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-04-30 12:15 PM ECB Interest Rate Decision 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.15%
2026-06-11 12:15 PM ECB Interest Rate Decision 2.4% 2.15% 2.4% 2.4%
2026-07-23 12:15 PM ECB Interest Rate Decision 2.4% 2.4% 2.4% 2.4%
2026-09-10 12:15 PM ECB Interest Rate Decision 2.4% 2.65%
2026-09-10 12:45 PM ECB Press Conference
2026-09-30 07:00 AM ECB Non-Monetary Policy Meeting


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Central Bank Balance Sheet 5913041.00 5927307.00 EUR Million Aug 2026
Deposit Facility Rate 2.25 2.25 percent Aug 2026
Foreign Exchange Reserves 116.35 116.77 USD Billion Jul 2026
ECB Interest Rate 2.40 2.40 percent Aug 2026
Marginal Lending Rate 2.65 2.65 percent Aug 2026
Loans to Households YoY 3.10 3.00 percent Jul 2026
Loans to Non-financial Corporations 5489668.00 5466068.00 EUR Million Jul 2026
Longer-Term Refinancing Operations 14.23 14.23 EUR Billion Aug 2026
Money Supply M0 3982652.00 4022418.00 EUR Million Jul 2026
Money Supply M1 11292842.00 11324679.00 EUR Million Jul 2026
Money Supply M2 16436438.00 16416939.00 EUR Million Jul 2026
Money Supply M3 17613983.00 17615006.00 EUR Million Jul 2026
Refinancing Operations 16.71 16.49 EUR Billion Aug 2026


Euro Area Interest Rate
In the Euro Area, benchmark interest rate is set by the Governing Council of the European Central Bank. The primary objective of the ECB’s monetary policy is to maintain price stability which is to keep inflation below, but close to 2 percent over the medium term. In times of prolonged low inflation and low interest rates, ECB may also adopt non-standard monetary policy measures, such as asset purchase programmes. The official interest rate is the Main refinancing operations rate.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
2.40 2.40 4.75 0.00 1998 - 2026 percent Daily

News Stream
ECB Sees Future Hike as Likely as Inflation Risks Persist
All ECB policymakers agreed to leave rates unchanged at the July meeting, following the first rate hike since 2023 in June, citing elevated uncertainty and the fact that the full inflationary impact of the energy shock had yet to emerge, according to the latest minutes. However, some said they would not have opposed another hike, noting that the likelihood of further tightening becoming unnecessary remained low. Policymakers saw upside risks to inflation and downside risks to growth from geopolitical developments in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war, while stressing that communication should remain clear to avoiding any pre-commitment to a September move. The minutes emphasized that the July pause should not be interpreted as the end of the tightening cycle, with another hike likely unless the inflation outlook improves significantly. At the same time, policymakers wanted to keep the September decision open, allowing room for the medium-term inflation outlook to improve.
2026-08-27
ECB Holds Rates Steady as Energy Risks Persist
The European Central Bank left its key interest rates unchanged at its July meeting, following a 25bp increase in June, the first rate hike in three years, driven by rising energy prices and persistent inflationary pressures. Since then, policymakers have struck a more cautious tone, adopting a "wait-and-see" approach as softer inflation, wage growth, economic activity, and inflation expectations have reduced the urgency for another move. The ECB said the outlook for energy prices remains broadly in line with its June projections despite continued volatility, while warning that uncertainty remains high and the full inflationary impact of the energy shock has yet to emerge. Policymakers also noted they will continue to monitor its broader effects on inflation and the economy. At the post-meeting press conference, ECB President Lagarde warned that the longer energy prices remain elevated, "the more likely they are to drive up broader inflation through indirect and second-round effects."
2026-07-23
ECB Expected to Stand Pat After June Hike
The European Central Bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged on Thursday, following June's first increase in three years, which was largely prompted by higher energy prices. With no updated economic projections, the focus will be on President Christine Lagarde's press conference for clues about the next policy moves. Officials are expected to strike a cautious but firm tone, reinforcing market pricing for one or two additional increases by year-end. The renewed surge in oil prices has again strengthened expectations of further tightening, much as it did at the onset of the Iran conflict. A September move is now almost fully priced in, and unless energy prices ease materially, that view is unlikely to change. Beyond then, the ECB's messaging will be key to shaping expectations for the pace and extent of any further policy tightening.
2026-07-23