Rome, April 2 (LaPresse) – "The Governing Council is determined to ensure that inflation stabilizes at the 2 percent medium-term target. The conflict in the Middle East has made the outlook significantly more uncertain, creating upside risks for inflation and downside risks for economic growth." This is stated by the ECB in its second 2026 economic bulletin, emphasizing that the situation is being "closely monitored" and that a "data-driven approach will contribute to setting an appropriate monetary policy." "The conflict will have a significant impact on short-term inflation due to higher energy prices," the ECB notes, while "medium-term implications will depend on the intensity and duration of the war, as well as on how energy prices affect consumer prices and the economy." The European Central Bank reassures that "the Governing Council is well-positioned to address this uncertainty," noting that "in recent quarters, inflation has been around the 2 percent target, long-term inflation expectations remain firmly anchored, and the economy has shown strong resilience." The information that becomes available in the coming period will allow for an assessment of the conflict's impact on inflation prospects and the associated risks.