Recent euro-area inflation acceleration, driven by elevated energy prices amid Middle East geopolitical tensions, has shifted ECB policy signals toward tightening after holding the deposit facility rate at 2.00% in April. Officials including Bundesbank President Nagel have highlighted risks of persistent core readings and second-round effects, prompting markets to fully price a June 25-basis-point hike and additional moves later in 2026. Trader consensus at 99.9% for at least one rate increase reflects this data-dependent stance and upward revisions to inflation projections. A rapid de-escalation in energy markets or sustained disinflation could still reduce the number or timing of hikes within the year.