Governments must commit to sound economic and financial policies. This is how we ensure reform in the euro area - and our independence.

In the European context tax rates are high and government expenditure is focused on current expenditure. A "good" consolidation is one where taxes are lower and the lower government expenditure is on infrastructures and other investments.

In Latin you say: "Repetita iuvant - to repeat is beneficial". The fewer changes made in a country, the more often I repeat my messages. And it works.

Governments must commit to sound economic and financial policies. This is how we ensure reform in the euro area - and our independence.

Within our mandate, the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro. And believe me, it will be enough.

Productivity growth is the only possible way to achieve prosperity.

The insurance companies do not refer to the key policy rate when they send their statements. We can only control that rate. Long-term interest rates are determined largely by global financial markets.