The European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged at its March 2026 meeting, reaffirming its commitment to stabilizing inflation at 2% in the medium term. The main refinancing rate remains at 2.15%, with the deposit facility at 2.0% and marginal lending rate at 2.4%. Policymakers highlighted that the Middle East war has significantly increased uncertainty, creating upside risks for inflation and downside risks for growth. The ECB raised its inflation forecasts, particularly for 2026, due to higher energy prices driven by the Middle East war. Headline inflation is now projected at 2.6% in 2026, 2.0% in 2027, and 2.1% in 2028. Core inflation projections were also increased, while growth forecasts were cut, especially for 2026, as the war’s impact on commodity markets, real incomes, and confidence takes its toll. The ECB expects GDP growth of 0.9% in 2026, 1.3% in 2027, and 1.4% in 2028. source: European Central Bank

The benchmark interest rate In the Euro Area was last recorded at 2.15 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 March of 2026.

The benchmark interest rate In the Euro Area was last recorded at 2.15 percent. Interest Rate in Euro Area is expected to be 2.15 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 2.65 percent in 2027, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2025-12-18 01:15 PM ECB Interest Rate Decision 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.15%
2026-02-05 01:15 PM ECB Interest Rate Decision 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.15%
2026-03-19 01:15 PM ECB Interest Rate Decision 2.15% 2.15% 2.15% 2.15%
2026-04-08 07:00 AM ECB Non-Monetary Policy Meeting
2026-04-30 12:15 PM ECB Interest Rate Decision
2026-05-20 07:00 AM ECB Non-Monetary Policy Meeting


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Central Bank Balance Sheet 6155306.00 6168261.00 EUR Million Mar 2026
Deposit Facility Rate 2.00 2.00 percent Mar 2026
Foreign Exchange Reserves 128.36 124.87 USD Billion Feb 2026
ECB Interest Rate 2.15 2.15 percent Mar 2026
Marginal Lending Rate 2.40 2.40 percent Mar 2026
Loans to Households YoY 3.00 3.00 percent Feb 2026
Loans to Non-financial Corporations 5356755.00 5341091.00 EUR Million Feb 2026
Longer-Term Refinancing Operations 10.57 11.23 EUR Billion Dec 2025
Money Supply M0 4243230.00 4248919.00 EUR Million Feb 2026
Money Supply M1 11225427.00 11092333.00 EUR Million Jan 2026
Money Supply M2 16204710.00 16076999.00 EUR Million Jan 2026
Money Supply M3 17344679.00 17206690.00 EUR Million Jan 2026
Refinancing Operations 10.65 10.04 EUR Billion Dec 2025


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
2.15 2.15 4.75 0.00 1998 - 2026 percent Daily

News Stream
ECB Holds Rates, Raises Inflation Forecasts
The European Central Bank kept interest rates unchanged at its March 2026 meeting, reaffirming its commitment to stabilizing inflation at 2% in the medium term. The main refinancing rate remains at 2.15%, with the deposit facility at 2.0% and marginal lending rate at 2.4%. Policymakers highlighted that the Middle East war has significantly increased uncertainty, creating upside risks for inflation and downside risks for growth. The ECB raised its inflation forecasts, particularly for 2026, due to higher energy prices driven by the Middle East war. Headline inflation is now projected at 2.6% in 2026, 2.0% in 2027, and 2.1% in 2028. Core inflation projections were also increased, while growth forecasts were cut, especially for 2026, as the war’s impact on commodity markets, real incomes, and confidence takes its toll. The ECB expects GDP growth of 0.9% in 2026, 1.3% in 2027, and 1.4% in 2028.
2026-03-19
ECB Set to Hold Rates Amid Rising Inflation Risks
The European Central Bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged for a sixth straight meeting on Thursday, maintaining a cautious stance as policymakers navigate heightened uncertainty driven by escalating Middle East tensions and persistent inflation risks. The ECB will also release updated economic projections, while President Christine Lagarde’s press conference will be closely watched for signals on how the bank plans to address the economic fallout from the ongoing conflict. Last week, Lagarde reiterated the ECB’s commitment to ensuring inflation remains under control, stating that the bank will "do all that is necessary" to achieve this goal. Recent remarks from officials suggest a shift toward a more hawkish approach, as policymakers remain vigilant about the risk of another energy shock potentially triggering structural inflationary pressures.
2026-03-19
ECB Lagarde Vows to Tame Inflation Amid Energy Shock
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said the central bank will do everything necessary to keep inflation under control despite the latest surge in energy prices. Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, Lagarde stressed that policymakers remain committed to preventing a repeat of the sharp price spikes seen in recent years. “I can assure you ... that we will do everything necessary to keep inflation under control and to ensure that the French, the Europeans, do not experience inflationary increases like those we saw in 2022 and 2023,” she said. Lagarde noted that Europe is now better positioned to absorb the current energy shock than it was during the 2022 crisis, thanks to stronger policy responses and improved resilience across the region. However, she also warned that uncertainty and market volatility remain elevated
2026-03-10