The euro area’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.9%, the highest in recent months. The figure is the flash estimate for July, with the full dataset scheduled for release on 19 August 2026. Annual inflation is defined as the change in consumer prices between the current month and the same month a year earlier. The euro area comprises 20 countries through the end of 2025 and expands to 21 from 2026 with the addition of Bulgaria.