On 12 June, Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel will be awarded the National Order of the Legion of Honour (Légion d’Honneur). In bestowing the country’s highest honour, France recognises the Bundesbank President’s personal contributions to Franco-German cooperation and underlines the importance of Franco-German friendship for Europe. 

The latest event in the Bundesbank Invited Speakers Series saw Stanford University professor Darrell Duffie and Bundesbank Executive Board member Fritzi Köhler-Geib discuss the role that payment systems play in demand for central bank reserves. Their conversation also focused on structural change in the financial system as well as the impact of digital innovations on monetary policy and financial stability.

The war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have shaken global energy markets and evoked memories of 2022, when Russia’s attack on Ukraine significantly exacerbated the energy crisis of 2021/22. In the current issue of the Monthly Report, Bundesbank experts examine both crises and show that while there are parallels there are also significant differences.

In spite of many burdens, the German economy grew more strongly than expected at the beginning of 2026 – partly because industry proved to be quite resilient. However, the labour market continued to deteriorate and the consequences of the war in Iran are clouding the outlook for the German economy in the second quarter.