Inflation European Union 2001
Average inflation: 3.6%
Current Inflation
Inflation is high at 3.6%, well above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in May at 4.4%. The lowest inflation was in November at 3.0%.
- Highest month
- May: 4.4%
- Lowest month
- November: 3.0%
- Difference
- 1.4 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 6.8%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 6.8%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 6.8%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 6.8%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 3.8%. This approaches the highest level since records began (4.0% in 2000).
- 5-year average
- 3.8%
- 10-year average
- 3.8%
- All-time high (2000)
- 4%
- All-time low (2001)
- 3.6%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 2000, the difference is minimal (-0.4 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- December: -1.0 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 1.6% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €103.60 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2001
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3.5% | - |
| February | 3.5% | - |
| March | 3.6% | - |
| April | 4.0% | - |
| May | 4.4% | - |
| June | 4.1% | - |
| July | 3.7% | - |
| August | 3.5% | - |
| September | 3.3% | - |
| October | 3.2% | - |
| November | 3.0% | - |
| December | 3.0% | -1.0 |
| Average | 3.6% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.