I am grateful that we have had such leaders in Europe, and for your steadfast support and encouragement throughout the crisis. President Macron, President Mattarella, Chancellor Merkel: you have stood beside us unfailingly in the European Council and in global forums, at a time when other major central banks have faced increasingly vocal political pressure.
You have pushed back strongly against illiberal voices that would see us turn our back on European integration. And, at critical moments, you have taken the steps needed to safeguard the euro and protect the heritage that was left to us: a united, peaceful and prosperous Europe. The time has come for me to hand over to Christine Lagarde.