PRAGUE (ČIA) – The European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council left interest rates unchanged at its session on Thursday 12 January; the rate for main refinancing operations remains at 1 %, the rate on the marginal lending facility remains at 1.75 % and the deposit facility rate remains at 0.25 %. According to bank president Mario Draghi inflation is likely to remain at 2 % in coming months. Increased tension on financial markets will continue to dampen economic activity in the euro area; the outlook remains uncertain and negative.