Inflation in the euro zone is likely to remain below 2 per cent in the first half of this year but may push above that level later in 2007, European Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said.
"Inflation in the first half is likely to stay below 2 per cent. In the second half it may be above 2 per cent," Mr Almunia told reporters.
Earlier today, European Union statistics office Eurostat confirmed inflation in February came to 1.8 per cent year-on-year, unchanged from January and in line with the European Central Bank's target.