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ECB's Stournaras says euro zone monetary policy will depend on size of energy disruption

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on April 6, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 7, 2026

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ECB's Stournaras says euro zone monetary policy will depend on size of energy disruption
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ATHENS, April 6 (Reuters) - European Central Bank policymaker Yannis Stournaras said on Monday that the appropriate euro zone monetary policy will depend on the size and nature of energy supply

ECB's Stournaras: Euro Zone Policy Hinges on Size of Energy Disruption

Impact of Energy Supply Disruption on Euro Zone Monetary Policy

Stournaras' Statement on Policy Adjustment

ATHENS, April 6 (Reuters) - European Central Bank policymaker Yannis Stournaras said on Monday that the appropriate euro zone monetary policy will depend on the size and nature of energy supply disruption from the Iran conflict.

Temporary vs. Persistent Energy Price Spikes

If the energy price spike proves to be temporary, the need for a monetary policy adjustment will be limited, ECB Governing Council member Stournaras, who is also governor of the Bank of Greece, told an annual shareholders meeting of the Greek central bank in Athens.

Medium-Term Inflation and Wage Implications

He added that a tighter monetary policy stance would be expected if the pressure from rising energy prices prove to be stronger and more persistent, affecting medium-term inflation expectations and wage developments.

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Toby Chopra)

Key Takeaways

  • Energy disruption in the Middle East is causing a sharp rise in eurozone inflation, which reached about 2.5% in March from 1.9% in February (apnews.com).
  • ECB President Christine Lagarde and other Governing Council members have highlighted that only sustained second‑round effects—like rising wages or broader price pressures—would justify tightening monetary policy (apnews.com).
  • Under a baseline scenario, inflation is projected to average 2.6% in 2026, but in more severe or prolonged supply‑shock scenarios, headline inflation could rise to as much as 3.5%–4.4%, potentially increasing the likelihood of rate hikes (euronews.com)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who made the statement about euro zone monetary policy and energy disruption?
Yannis Stournaras, a European Central Bank policymaker and Governor of the Bank of Greece, made the statement.
How will the ECB respond if the energy price spike is temporary?
If the energy price spike is temporary, the need for monetary policy adjustment will be limited.
What happens if energy price pressures are persistent?
If the pressure from rising energy prices is stronger and more persistent, a tighter monetary policy stance is expected.
What factors will influence euro zone monetary policy according to Stournaras?
The size and nature of the energy supply disruption as well as its impact on medium-term inflation expectations and wages.

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