The European Central Bank cut interest rates on Thursday and kept the door open to further policy easing as concerns over lacklustre economic growth supersede worries about persistent inflation. Following are highlights of ECB President Christine Lagarde's comments at a news conference after the policy meeting.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said Bulgaria is “well advanced” in the process of meeting the criteria for joining the euro.

During the press conference, ECB President Christine Lagarde indicated that the central bank's macro assessment had hardly changed from its December meeting. The ECB still sees the disinflationary process on track and expects a pick up in demand, though it acknowledges the near-term weakness of the eurozone economy.

Against this backdrop, the ECB’s communication in the policy statement and President Lagarde’s comments will hold the key to determining the scope and timing of the next rate cuts as the Bank battles concerns over economic growth and potential tariffs by United States (US) President Donald Trump’s administration.

Speaking at a press conference, ECB President Christine Lagarde suggested “liquid, secure and safe“ standards for central banks likely precluded Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

Central bank independence is being challenged in parts of the world and greater political influence could undermined banks' ability to keep inflation down, risking economic volatility, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on Monday.

KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP The European Central Bank cut interest rates again Thursday, January 30, and signaled more to come as the eurozone economy flatlines while warning of trade tensions and uncertainty amid American President Donald Trump's protectionist agenda.

The European Central Bank lowered its interest rates for a fourth policy session in a row on Thursday and is likely to opt for more

The ECB cut rates by 25bps to 2.75%, with Lagarde signalling further easing if inflation declines. Growth risks persist amid weak confidence and geopolitical tensions. She ruled out Bitcoin as a reserve asset,

The European Central Bank is set to lower interest rates for a fifth meeting as inflation that’s nearing the 2% target lets officials further loosen the shackles on the economy.

The European Central Bank is widely expected to cut interest rates for the fifth time since it began easing monetary policy.