In Athens on January 17th, ECB policymaker Yannis Stournaras emphasized the importance of the European Central Bank continuing monetary easing through a series of rate cuts. He expressed concerns that potential increased protectionism by the United States may negatively impact the euro zone's modest growth. Stournaras warned that any additional pressure on global trade from new protectionist actions could hinder the euro zone's already tepid growth and lead to below-target inflation. Advocating for a series of interest rate cuts at future ECB Governing Council meetings, he stressed the need for a cautious and evidence-based approach to these reductions.