Verification that the inflation assumptions used in the performance plan are in line with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) CPI reference forecast and verification of the justifications given for any deviations.

7. Takes note of the ECB's decision in 2006 to further increase interest rates; observes that, although inflation remained contained despite a surge in energy prices, the growth rate of monetary aggregate M3 has systematically exceeded the reference value of 4,5 % by large margins ever since 2001 without accelerating inflation; calls on the ECB to explain better the reasons for this discrepancy and whether it is a symptom of growing liquidity with the potential to fuel inflation in future or a result of other factors, such as the deepening of financial markets, financial innovations and the increasingly international role of the euro;

19. Agrees with the Commission that the disparities in growth and inflation rates within the euro area, with differences of up to 4,5 % in growth and up to 2,7 % in inflation in 2005, is increasingly due to structural reasons; regrets that dispersion in inflation rates among Member States with higher inflation rates has a negative effect on the competitiveness and monetary stability of the euro area as a whole; notes that these differences are sometimes part of a positive process of convergence in revenues and price level, due to the "catch up" process; calls once more on Member States of the euro area to strengthen their efforts towa ...[+++]rds effective coordination of economic and monetary policies notably through the reinforcement of their common strategies within the Eurogroup, in order to improve the real convergence of economies and to limit the risks of asymmetric shock in the EMU;

19. Agrees with the Commission that the disparities in growth and inflation rates within the euro area, with differences of up to 4,5 % in growth and up to 2,7 % in inflation in 2005, is increasingly due to structural reasons; regrets that dispersion in inflation rates among Member States with higher inflation rates has a negative effect on the competitiveness and monetary stability of the euro area as a whole; notes that these differences are sometimes part of a positive process of convergence in revenues and price level, due to the "catch up" process; calls once more on Member States of the euro area to strengthen their efforts towa ...[+++]rds effective coordination of economic and monetary policies notably through the reinforcement of their common strategies within the Eurogroup, in order to improve the real convergence of economies and to limit the risks of asymmetric shock in the EMU;

When assessing the deviation from the medium-term objective or the path to achieve it, other factors such as potential economic growth, inflation, the existing implicit liabilities related to ageing populations, the impact of structural reforms or the need for additional net investment could be considered.

They are asked to analyse the causes of inflation differences in order to take measures in sectors where such differences are undesirable.