The world’s most influential central bank leaders are set to gather in Sintra this week for the annual European Central Bank (ECB) Forum on Central Banking, running from June 30 to July 2. The high-profile event will bring together the heads of the Federal Reserve (U.S.), Bank of England, European Central Bank, Bank of Japan, and Bank of Korea to deliberate over mounting global economic challenges.
This year’s theme, “Adapting to Change,” comes amid a turbulent backdrop of rising inflation, policy divergence, geopolitical instability, and slowing global growth. The three-day forum will host policymakers, economists, and financial scholars for in-depth discussions on the direction of global monetary policy.
One of the key highlights will be a panel discussion scheduled for Tuesday, July 1, at 21:30 Beijing time, featuring ECB President Christine Lagarde, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, and Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong.
According to forum organizers, the panel will focus on the macroeconomic impacts of recent political developments, including U.S. tariff-driven trade disruptions, and oil price volatility due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
This year’s meeting marks the first joint public appearance by the heads of the ECB and the Fed since 2024. Their last public exchange took place amid widespread debate over interest rate hikes and political interference—an issue that continues to loom large.
In recent months, the European Central Bank has implemented a rate cut, though it signaled no further action in the near term. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is facing domestic political pressure, with U.S. President Donald Trump criticizing the Fed’s cautious pace compared to the ECB’s more aggressive easing stance.
The Bank of Japan is expected to hold its benchmark interest rate steady at its upcoming July 31 meeting, while the Bank of Korea is treading carefully amid regional uncertainties. Analysts note that differences in inflation levels and growth projections have led to divergent monetary strategies among major central banks.
Speaking ahead of the forum, ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane said the joint panel session will be a focal point of the gathering. In a podcast interview, he warned that while the theme appears modest, central banks are dealing with “severe and complex” transformations that require more than short-term solutions.
Global investors and financial markets are closely monitoring the forum for insights into the next moves by major central banks. With inflation still elevated in some regions and growth slowing in others, the decisions and signals from Sintra could shape monetary paths heading into the second half of 2025.
Beyoncé’s flying car malfunctioned mid-air duri..
US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in 2025 ca..