Eurozone inflation 2.2% in December

(BRUSSELS) - Inflation in the 17-member eurozone was stable at 2.2 percent in December, official data confirmed on Friday, as the slowing economy took pressure off prices.

The Eurostat data agency's detailed second estimate put benchmark Germany at 2.0 percent, with the currency area's second economy, France, markedly lower at 1.5 percent.

Italy and Spain were still well above the average at 2.6 percent and 3.0 percent.

Bailed-out Greece had lowest rate in December, at 0.3 percent, with triple A-rated Finland towards the top of the table, logging a 3.5-percent annual increase in prices.

The European Central Bank's collective target for eurozone inflation is below but close to 2.0 percent, a goal it has failed to achieve for two whole years, although the latest movements suggest price pressures are easing as the economy slows.

Euro area annual inflation stable at 2.2% [Eurostat]