Inflation increased in the euro area and in the EU in February

Euro area’s annual inflation became 2.0 percent in February 2017, up from the 1.8 percent in January. In February 2016 the rate was -0.2 percent. European Union annual inflation was 1.9 percent in February 2017, up from 1.7 percent in January. A year earlier the rate was -0.1 percent. These figures come from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

In February 2017, the lowest annual rates were registered in Ireland (0.3%), Romania (0.5%), Bulgaria and Denmark (both 0.9%). The highest annual rates were recorded in Estonia (3.4%), Belgium (3.3%), Latvia and Lithuania (both 3.2%). Compared with January 2017, annual inflation fell in three Member States and increased in twenty-four. (MTI)