"The conditions are there for a fall in interest rates," Barroso told RTL radio. He would not predict how big the cut would be but said "I expect a very clear move in this direction."

The ECB's governors are to meet on Thursday to decide on the level of its key interest rate which is currently at 3.25 percent. Economists have predicted a fall of up to three-quarters of a percentage point.

(AFP/Expatica)