Future Economists Meet ECB Insider: Philip R. Lane Speaks at TU Dublin
The School of Accounting, Economics & Finance at TU Dublin was delighted to recently welcome Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank (ECB), to the Aungier Street campus. He spoke to Economics students about the latest trends in the euro area economy and the factors shaping the ECB’s decisions on interest rates and monetary policy.
Professor Lane’s talk, titled “The Euro Area Outlook and Monetary Policy”, gave students a clear overview of how the European economy is performing. He explained how inflation has been falling from the very high levels seen in recent years, helped by lower energy prices and improvements in global supply chains. The presentation also showed the ECB’s most recent forecasts for inflation and economic growth, based on data up to September and October 2025.
Lane discussed how consumer spending, investment, and exports across the euro area have been changing, and how the economy is still adjusting after several years of shocks, including the pandemic, rising energy costs, and geopolitical tensions. He noted that the labour market remains strong, with unemployment close to historic lows across many countries.
Students also learned about the global context affecting Europe, including forecasts for economic growth in the United States and China, shifts in trade patterns, and recent movements in oil and gas prices.
The talk ended with an explanation of how the ECB studies financial conditions, such as interest rate expectations, lending patterns, and money supply indicators, when deciding how to support stable prices and economic growth in the euro area.
Reflecting on the visit, Dr Emma Howard, Lecturer in Economics in the School of Accounting, Economics & Finance at TU Dublin, said:
“It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to hear directly from one of Europe’s leading economic policymakers. Dr Lane explained complex issues in a very clear and relatable way, helping students connect what they learn in class with the real challenges facing the European economy today.”
After the presentation, students took part in a lively Q&A session, asking Lane about interest rates, inflation, global risks, and why he chose a career in economics.
His visit highlights TU Dublin’s commitment to giving students direct access to international experts and real-world insights that enrich their learning experience.
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