Eurozone
'Absurd criteria for new EU members'
An article in the Financial Times says that, fortunately, such a disastrous scenario as a deflationary spiral in the eurozone is unlikely. But that is not true of the problems that low or negative inflation within the eurozone could pose for the…
ECB's Issing upbeat on eurozone recovery
The ECB has "cautious optimism" that the eurozone economy would improve soon with the recovery in equity markets, BizWorld reports chief economist Otmar Issing as saying.
Germany's Schroder calls on ECB to reduce rates
German chancellor Gerhard Schroder has questioned the ECB as to "whether they have done enough to stimulate growth", according to a report in the Financial Times. He told Pedro Solbes, EU monetary affairs commissioner, on Tuesday that Germany would…
ECBs Solans says uncertainties cloud rates outlook
In an interview with the Financial Times, Eugenio Domingo Solans of the ECB said the current level of interest rates in the eurozone was favourable for a recovery. But the situation would be reassessed at the next meeting as the outlook was still clouded…
Bundesbank dampens rate cut speculation
Bundesbank chief Ernst Welteke poured cold water on further ECB rate cut talk on Monday 16 June, according to AFP, suggesting it was now up to governments and politicians to get their economies in order.
Duisenberg on structural reform and mon policy
In a speech on 'Structural reform and its implications for monetary policy' Wim Duisenberg of the European Central Bank said labour market reforms are urgently needed if euro zone economic growth is to recover strongly as some countries are hampered by…
Smits on Consitutional Position of the ECB
In his inaugural address as Amsterdam University's new professor of law of economic and monetary union, Dr Rene Smits considers the strange legal status of the European Central Bank.
Transformation of the European Financial System
Based on an ECB conference held in October, "Transformation of the European Financial System" examines how the switch to the euro has affected European financial markets.
ECB economist - Deflation concerns are excessive
Otmar Issing of the European Central Bank said on Wednesday 28 May that deflation concerns are excessive and that currently, this is like a Pavlovian reflect, according to a report by Reuters.
ECB Monthly Bulletin: erozone inflation limited
The European Central Bank published its May 2003 Monthly Bulletin on 15 May. In the report the ECB said that eurozone inflation risks were limited and that the economy would pick up later this year and accelerate in 2004.
ECB officials give conflicting signals on rate cut
Speaking separately this week two ECB Governing Council members gave conflicting views on what a fall in inflation below the ECB's 2 per cent target would mean for interest rates, according to Bloomberg report.
EC report casts doubt on eurozone benefits
The European Commission's spring forecast published on Tuesday 8 April said growth rates in euro member countries was lower than for EU members outside the single currency, the Financial Times reported.
ECB's Issing on eurozone growth
In testimony to the European Parliament Otmar Issing of the ECB said eurozone economic growth is expected to be only moderate this year, and inflation is forecast to fall below 2%, although developments continue to be overshadowed by the war in Iraq. He…
ECB's Issing downbeat on 'sluggish' euro growth
Speaking to the EU Parliament, the ECB 's chief economist, Otmar Issing observed that economic growth in the eurozone is expected to be 2% for the year, thoough this will put downward pressure on inflation, according to Reuters
ECB warns over property booms
REPORT - Analysis by the European Central Bank of the impact of house price rises contains a warning to the Bank of England over house price booms.
ECB plans for reform may run into problems
Plans to reform the European Central Bank, including cutting the voting power of smaller European Union member states, are expected to run into trouble this week. Some Finnish MPs claim Paavo Lipponen, their prime minister, assured them that the Bank of…
ECB concerned by eurozone growth prospects
The European Central Bank on Thursday fuelled speculation about a possible interest rate cut by highlighting concerns about growth across the eurozone area, although it reiterated its stance that its current monetary policy is "appropriate".
The politics of the Eurosystem
Constitutional discussions in Europe have steered clear of the ECB, but may yet impact on Europe’s only federal institution, argues Graham Bishop.
New directions for the ECB
Enlargement, a new president and a review of policy have far-reaching implications for Europe’s central bank, says Philip Lane.
A funny way to manage Europe's money
ARTICLE - This article looks at the potential for enlargement of the eurozone and its impact on the ECB's governing council. The author sees problems ahead saying that today's 18 member council is already too large and proposals for rotational voting…
Eurozone interest rates held steady at 2.75%
The European Central Bank on Thursday left interest rates in the eurozone unchanged following a half-point cut in December, despite a series of data which have suggested stuttering growth in the 12-nation bloc.
ECB chief welcomes strengthening euro
European Central Bank (ECB) president Wim Duisenberg on Thursday welcomed the recent rise in the value of the euro, and said he did not see it endangering the eurozone's competitiveness.
ECB must act now
ARTICLE - The article says the ECB must continue to ease interest rates soon to further boost the flagging eurozone economy as the possibility of deflation in Germany is a greater danger than inflation.