Clear, credible, cutting-edge: communication in a changing world

When central banks speak, it affects financial markets, the economy and ultimately people’s lives. In fact, communication is itself a tool of monetary policy, because it shapes expectations about the economy, and influences the decisions of firms, investors and consumers. If the ECB is well understood, it makes our policy more effective and credible. Also, it strengthens people’s trust that we will make the right decisions. That’s why our communication needs to be clear, consistent and accessible. And as technology offers new ways to communicate and people change how they get news, it needs to move with the times. Experts and the wider public need to always have at their fingertips the information necessary to take informed decisions. The ECB is committed to continually updating its communication to make sure people know what we do, why we do it and why it matters for them.