The next European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate decision is due on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
The European Central Bank (ECB) announces its interest rate decisions at the conclusion of its scheduled monetary policy meetings throughout the year. These decisions determine whether the central bank will raise, lower, or maintain its key interest rates, influencing borrowing costs and economic conditions across the euro area.
What is the current ECB interest rate?
The European Central Bank's current key interest rates as follows:
- Deposit facility rate: 2.5%
- Main refinancing operations (MRO) rate: 2.65%
- Marginal lending facility rate: 2.9%
These rates have been in place since March 6, 2025, following a 25 basis point reduction, and will take effect on March 12, 2025.
What date is the next European Central Bank interest rate meeting?
The next European Central Bank interest rate (monetary policy) meeting and decision is due on Thursday, April 17th.
See below for all the ECB's scheduled monetary policy meetings in 2025:
- January 30
- March 5–6
- April 16–17
- June 4–5
- July 23–24
- September 10–11
- October 29–30*
- December 17–18
*Monetary policy meeting hosted by the Bank of Italy.
See below for all the ECB's scheduled monetary policy meetings in 2026:
- February 4–5
- March 18–19
- April 29–30
- June 10–11
- July 22–23
- September 9–10*
- October 28–29
- December 16–17
*Monetary policy meeting hosted by the Deutsche Bundesbank.
These dates are confirmed by the European Central Bank. All monetary policy meetings are followed by a press conference, held by the ECB President. Most meetings are held in Frankfurt, Germany—the headquarters of the ECB— however, on occasion the meetings will be hosted by an individual central bank in their home city, such as Rome in October, 2025.
What are ECB interest rates?
The European Central Bank (ECB) has three key interest rates: the main refinancing operations (MRO) rate, the deposit facility rate, and the marginal lending facility rate, which are decided and set at its Governing Council meetings.
Historical key ECB interest rates
See below for historical interest rate data, showing how the ECB's main refinancing operations (MRO) rate, the deposit facility rate, and the marginal lending facility rate have changed over time.
How often does the European Central Bank review interest rates?
The European Central Bank reviews and sets its key interest rates every six weeks during its Governing Council's monetary policy meetings. These decisions are based on assessments of economic indicators such as inflation, growth, and financial stability.
The ECB's monetary policy decisions are made independently (without instruction from any external entities), with maintaining price stability within the euro area being their primary objective—aiming for inflation rates below (but close to) 2% over the medium term.
What time is the ECB decision?
The European Central Bank (ECB) announces its interest rate decisions at 12:45 UTC on the scheduled monetary policy meeting days. This is followed by a press conference with the ECB President at 13:30 UTC, where the decision is explained and insights are provided regarding the ECB's general outlook on inflation, economic growth, and direction of any future policies.
What happens when the ECB raises interest rates?
When the European Central Bank raises interest rates (rate hike), borrowing becomes more expensive for consumers and businesses. This can reduce spending and slow economic growth, while also strengthening the euro.
Higher rates can help to control inflation, they can also weaken the housing market, lower stock prices, and increase government debt costs.
What is the effect when the ECB lowers interest rates?
When the European Central Bank lowers interest rates (rate cut), borrowing becomes cheaper for businesses and consumers, which can encourage spending, investment, and economic growth. Lower rates often reduce loan and mortgage costs, making credit more accessible, while also weakening the euro, which can boost exports but makes imports more expensive.
However, reduced interest rates can also lead to higher inflation, lower returns on savings, and potential asset bubbles in stocks and real estate if borrowing becomes excessive.
When are the ECB meetings in 2025?
The European Central Bank (ECB) has scheduled the following meetings for 2025:
Monetary policy meetings:
Non-monetary policy meetings:
General Council Meetings:
What is the latest ECB rate decision?
At its latest meeting on March 6, 2025, the European Central Bank (ECB) reduced its key interest rates by 25 basis points, marking the sixth rate cut since June 2024.
This caused the deposit facility rate to be lowered from 2.75% to 2.50%, the main refinancing operations (MRO) rate to be reduced to 2.65%, and the marginal lending facility rate to decrease to 2.90%.
What time is the ECB rate published?
On the days of its monetary policy meetings, the European Central Bank (ECB) publishes its key interest rates at 13:45 CET (12:45 UTC) and holds a press conference at 14:30 CET (13:30 UTC).
Who is ECB President?
The current President of the European Central Bank (ECB) is Christine Lagarde, who has held the position since November 1, 2019.
Prior to her appointment at the ECB, Lagarde served as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2011 to 2019 and held various ministerial positions in the French government, including Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry.
Who are the ECB Governing Council?
The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) is its principal decision-making body, responsible for formulating monetary policy for the euro area. It comprises the six members of the Executive Board (including the President and Vice-President of the ECB) and the governors of the national central banks (NCBs) from the 20 euro area countries.
What is the interest rate in the EU today?
As of today, the European Central Bank's interest rates on the deposit facility, the main refinancing operations, and the marginal lending facility are set to 2.50%, 2.65%, and 2.90% respectively (with effect from March 12, 2025).
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