ECB President Lagarde Warns Eurozone Inflation Shock to Persist Longer Due to Elevated Energy Prices and Middle East Tensions

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde stated that eurozone inflation is expected to remain elevated for a longer duration than previously anticipated. Her comments, reported on September 13, 2026, highlighted that higher energy prices, exacerbated by Middle East tensions, continue to pressure markets and threaten economic growth. The ECB recently raised its key interest rates by 25 basis points this week in response to these persistent inflationary pressures.