ECB Forum Debates AI's Economic Risks as BIS Flags Massive Investment

At the annual "ECB Forum on Central Banking 2026," held by the European Central Bank in Sintra, Portugal from June 29 to July 1, one question dominated: whether artificial intelligence is a boon or a threat to the global economy. Gathering the world's central bank governors and economists, the meeting repeatedly examined how AI, while boosting productivity and growth, may introduce new fragilities into the financial system through massive investment, debt leverage and job displacement. This year's forum was themed "Shaping Europe's future: innovation, growth and stability" (ECB official program).