Global factors and ECB monetary policy

The euro area’s current high inflation rate is due to both internally generated demand pressures and external shocks that have raised food and energy prices. This paper argues that the latter element is more important than the former. Central banks need to tighten monetary policy to address high inflation but, with central banks around the world under pressure to restore their anti-inflationary credentials, it is possible that there is going to be too much tightening of global financial conditions. This paper was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 28 November 2022.