We should also be clear that the independence of the ECB does not exclude a dialogue with political authorities. The monetary policy of the Eurosystem will be held accountable for reaching its overriding objective of maintaining price stability. The Eurosystem is open, transparent and, above all, accountable for its performance.
Even though GDP recorded a slight increase in the first quarter, there is widespread consensus regarding the forecasts for much lower growth this year than the already subdued growth of 2018.