European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde says that the world economy is facing new risks, despite some forecasts for global economic performance, especially in the Eurozone, being stronger than expected.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) at the 2026 World Economic Forum, Lagarde said that geopolitics, artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change all pose significant risks to the global economy.
"I would say threat number one is the geopolitical fragmentation, is the undermined confidence that people have in the economy. The second challenge is the speed at which digitalization, particularly propelled by artificial intelligence, is transforming our economies in multiple dimensions and pretty much all sectors," said Lagarde.
"And I think the third dimension that we should not forget is the threat of climate change that we still have and that has been a little bit on the back burner recently, but which is pursuing its course and requires that we finance the transition in order to reduce the impact of climate change. In the back of all that, you have security concerns, whether they are military security issues, cybersecurity issues, which are rising to the fore on all fronts," she said.
Under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," the 2026 WEF meeting opened on Monday in Davos and will run through Friday. About 3,000 leaders and experts from around the world are gathering to discuss five pressing global challenges, including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.
ECB president says world economy facing new risks
European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has urged the EU and China to pursue results-driven cooperation, stressing that partnership must be judged by outcomes rather than declarations.
In an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Lagarde stressed the need for a stable, sustainable and level playing field relationship.
"There is no love, there is only proof of love. And I think that it's one thing to declare, to state and to affirm principles. It's another thing to deliver, in practical terms, a stable, sustainable and level playing field relationship. And I think that we should all work in that direction. I think the European Union and China can work in that direction as well," Lagarde said.
Drawing on her experience leading the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2011 to 2019, Lagarde praised China's role as a reliable partner.
"I observed, as former managing director of the IMF, that China was always a good partner in that institution. And I think this is important and it should be continued. I think the issue of pricing, grants, subsidies and all that need to be on the table, as will imbalances going forward. And I understand that both the G7, the G20 and other international forums will address those issues," she said.
Lagarde also said that China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) is poised to strengthen global integration through balanced, demand-led growth.
"China is a case in point of good, long-term planning and you certainly excel at sticking to the plan and focusing on delivering. My personal hope, particularly with the view to reducing imbalances, is that what I've heard many of the Chinese leaders say, that there will be a focus on domestic consumption," said the ECB president.
Under the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue," the 2026 WEF meeting opened on Monday in Davos and will run through Friday. About 3,000 leaders and experts worldwide are gathering to discuss five pressing global challenges, including enhancing cooperation, unlocking new sources of growth and deploying innovation at scale and responsibly.
Lagarde urges EU-China ties to pursue results-driven cooperation
