1  Average inflation rate no more than 1.5 % above the inflation rates of the three member states that achieved the highest degree of price stability. 2 Reference values are 3 % of GDP for the general government deficit and 60 % of GDP for general government gross debt.
3 Average long-term interest rate no more than 2 % above the respective rate in those three member states that achieved the highest degree of price stability. BIS Review 38/1999  8  Two, a broadly based assessment of the outlook for price developments and risks to price stability in the euro area as a whole is conducted on an ongoing basis.