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ECB Loss Reduced to €1.3 Billion in 2025

Published February 26, 2026, 14:13
ECB Loss Reduced to €1.3 Billion in 2025

The European Central Bank (ECB) recorded a loss of €1.254 billion in 2025, a significant improvement compared to the loss of €7.944 billion in 2024. This improvement is mainly due to the reduction in net interest expense, which was caused by the interest rate increases in 2022 and 2023, followed by the decreases from 2024 onwards. The losses will be recorded in the ECB's balance sheet and offset by future profits, therefore no profits will be distributed to national central banks. The ECB explains that the losses are due to the policy actions it had to take to maintain price stability, such as the purchase of financial assets with fixed interest rates. This led to an increase in liabilities with floating interest rates, resulting in interest rate increases increasing interest expenses more than income. The reduction in interest rates and liabilities from 2024 onwards is reducing this imbalance. The ECB is expected to return to profitability in 2026 or the following year, depending on interest rate levels, exchange rates and the size of its balance sheet. Its financial strength is underscored by its capital and revaluation accounts, which amounted to €71 billion at the end of 2025.