The European Central Bank (ECB) has announced another cut in its key interest rates. Effective March 12, rates will be cut by 25 basis points, the second such cut this year. This move is part of the ECB’s strategy to stabilize the economy and support economic recovery amid changing inflationary trends.

According to the regulator’s official statement, this decision was made based on a review of the inflation forecast and the dynamics of core inflation. The impact of monetary policy and the effectiveness of its transmission were also taken into account. The ECB stressed the importance of this measure to support economic growth and reduce inflationary pressures.

Currently, the ECB’s key interest rates are as follows:
- Deposit rate — 2.50%;
- Main refinancing operations rate — 2.65%;
- Marginal lending rate — 2.90%.

This rate cut is aimed at ensuring further disinflation in the euro area. The ECB stressed that inflation continues to develop in line with expectations, and the forecast for inflation indicators for the coming years leaves hope for economic stability.

The forecasts for overall inflation for the coming years are as follows:
- 2025 — 2.3%;
- 2026 — 1.9%;
- 2027 — 2.0%.

The ECB also noted that the forecast for 2025 has been revised upwards, which is due to the increase in energy prices, which have a significant impact on the overall inflation rate.

Regarding inflation excluding energy and food, the forecasts are as follows:
- 2025 — 2.2%;
- 2026 — 2.0%;
- 2027 — 1.9%.

The European Central Bank also indicated that domestic inflation will remain high, especially due to the adjustment of wages and prices in some sectors of the economy to previous inflationary trends. However, wage growth is starting to slow down, which, according to forecasts, will partially offset inflationary pressures.

All these measures demonstrate the ECB's commitment to ensuring economic stability in the euro area, despite the continuing challenges arising from global economic processes and changes in energy markets.