Philip Lane, chief economist at the European Central Bank (ECB), said the regulator was ready to lower interest rates. He stressed that currently there are no unexpected circumstances that could prevent a reduction in rates, and suggested that the highest level of restrictions should be abandoned. However, Lane noted the importance of continuing the ECB's restrictive policy to curb inflation and prevent it from exceeding the 2% level. According to him, the pace of rate cuts will be determined by statistical data and risk assessment within the restrictive zone. Lane also noted that a gradual reduction in rates is necessary as part of a restrictive policy. Currently, inflation in the eurozone is 2.4%, which is due to the damage caused to the economy by the energy crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine. The economist also noted that lowering rates is the first step in solving the problem of curbing inflation and confirms the success of the ECB's monetary policy. It is expected that at the next ECB meeting it will be decided to reduce deposit rates by 25 basis points from the current 4%.
