Why the ECB is in a tricky spot episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 30, 2026 · 15 MIN

Why the ECB is in a tricky spot

from Brussels Playbook Podcast · host POLITICO

The European Central Bank will meet today and make a decision that depends heavily on events happening thousands of kilometers away.  That’s because the war in Iran has pushed up energy prices and inflation. ECB President Christine Lagarde and her fellow rate-setters will be in a tricky spot when deciding whether to raise borrowing costs. Zoya and Ian explain the dilemma. The conflict in the Middle East has also brought about a jet fuel shortage that has airlines warning about disruptions and governments telling people to fly less. On the show, we discuss how it’s not just a supply crisis that’s the problem, but also a shortage of information. And finally, politicians walk into classrooms … and immediately say the wrong thing. We run through some recent awkward political gaffes. If you have questions or comments — contact us on WhatsApp here or at +32 491 05 06 29. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Apr 30, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Why the ECB is in a tricky spot

0:00 15:15

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Brussels Playbook Podcast?

This episode is 15 minutes long.

When was this Brussels Playbook Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on April 30, 2026.

Can I download this Brussels Playbook Podcast episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!