Read on Twitter
It’s already been one year since I took up my role as President of the @ecb. It has been a difficult year for Europe and the world, but together we have achieved some important milestones that I believe are worth reflecting on.
The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic came as a deep shock to all of us and warranted fast policy responses. I’m proud to say that we’ve delivered: our measures have been providing crucial support to the eurozone economy and to European citizens.
We launched the #ECBstrategyreview – the first since 2003. It was set to be a thorough and intense process, even before the onset of the pandemic. We are leaving no stone unturned and the crisis has in fact raised important questions that must also be taken into account.
Europe is moving towards a new model for dealing with crises. When faced with the largest economic shock since the Second World War, we have shown that by acting together we can achieve more for European citizens. This is something to be proud of.
I was honoured to provide my signature for our banknotes and it was great to hold the finished product in my hands.
The euro is a tangible representation of European integration and a symbol of unity that we carry with us each day.
Climate change is everybody’s responsibility and I have spoken this year about how I want to explore every avenue available to combat climate change. Central banks need to devote greater attention to understanding its impact.
We’ve started exploring the possibility of launching a digital euro. As Europeans are increasingly turning to digital in the ways they spend, save and invest, we should be prepared to issue a digital euro, if needed. I’m also keen to hear your views on it https://epsilon.escb.eu/limesurvey3/434111?lang=en
The period ahead will be challenging but I am ready, together with my colleagues, to continue supporting Europe’s economies.
