Brussels, 14/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 14 January, Eurostat confirmed that annual inflation was 2.2% in December 2010 in the eurozone, thus exceeding the 2% target of the European Central Bank (ECB) over the medium term. This was the highest level of inflation recorded since October 2008 (3.2%). Inflation had then declined to return below the 2% threshold. This tendency was overturned in November 2009. On Thursday, Jean-Claude Trichet, ECB President, hinted that, if inflation continued on this upward path, then the ECB would not hesitate to increase its key interest rate (1% since May 2009). The EU's Statistical Office indicates, moreover, that the monthly rate of inflation was 0.6% in the eurozone in December 2010. The EU's annual inflation rate was 2.6% in December 2010, against 2.3% in November. One year earlier, it was 1.5%. The monthly inflation rate was 0.6% in December 2010. (O.L./transl.jl)