The European Central Bank’s president defends the ECB’s most recent interest-rate increase, saying the move is intended to reduce inflation and bring it back toward the ECB’s 2% target. Speaking publicly, the ECB head argues that raising rates is one of the tools used to limit price pressures over time, including by influencing borrowing costs and demand in the economy. The ECB president also links the rate decision to the bank’s forecast timeline, stating that inflation is expected to move closer to the 2% goal by next year. The statements reflect the ECB’s broader approach of using monetary policy to counter inflation while monitoring incoming economic data and financial conditions. Reporting from both outlets frames the comments as a justification of the latest hike, rather than a reversal or change in policy direction. Overall, the coverage centers on the ECB’s rationale that continued policy tightening, as needed, supports the inflation path the bank has set out in its targets and projections.