It means that the rate for price growth in the 12 nations using Europe's single currency would remain above the European Central Bank's preferred level of close to but less than two percent.

The ECB has raised interest rates three times in six months, including a quarter point hike this month to 2.75 percent, in a bid to keep a lid on inflation.

Many private economists expect it to raise interest rates again in August.

Further details - Eurostat press release (pdf)

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