The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on Saturday its decision to globally widen access to its euro liquidity backstop. The move is designed to enhance the international presence of the single currency and to support market stability.
This facility will open from the third quarter of 2026 and will aim to sidestep the risk of euro-denominated securities fire sales in global markets during periods of stress, according to ECB President Christine Lagarde, who spoke at the Munich Security Conference.
With a maximum capacity of 50 billion euros, the standing facility can provide essential monetary support worldwide, although it excludes nations with reputational concerns like involvement in money laundering or terror funding. This follows similar moves by the U.S. Federal Reserve in stabilizing their Treasury markets.
(With inputs from agencies.)