We must not forget either that the euro area as a whole has made significant progress over the past 12 years. The economic dynamics of the euro area is the same order of magnitude as those registered in the United States. In both economic regions, per capita income has risen on average by about 1% annually.
In the euro area, job creation has been stronger than in the US. Over the past 12 years, more than 14 million jobs have been created in the euro area. I can assure you that the European Central Bank will continue to contribute to the smooth functioning of monetary union by continuing to be the anchor of stability and confidence that is so necessary.