Lagarde calls for "urgent" progress on the union of capital markets to protect Europe's sovereignty

Christine Lagarde, ECB President, urged for urgent integration of capital markets to enhance Europe's economic sovereignty and reduce external dependencies. Speaking at the Paris Peace Forum, she emphasized the need for a robust capital market to support European businesses and projects. Lagarde highlighted the risks of relying on foreign suppliers, particularly in energy and critical raw materials, and advocated for a balance between economic openness and strategic autonomy. She also discussed the importance of developing a digital euro and modernizing payment infrastructures to strengthen the euro's international role.