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 noted that energy costs rose by 5.2 percent in December, slower than the 5.7 percent reported in November.

The latest data means that eurozone inflation has remained above the European Central Bank's target of below but close to 2.0 percent for two whole years, although the latest movements suggest price pressures are easing.