This table shows the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP) and the annual percentage chages for the HICP for the period 1996 to 2004 (base 1996). The HICP is an internationally comparable measure of inflation calculated by each Member State of the European Union. HICPs are used to compare inflation rates across the European Union. See section 4.1 Scope and content of the
Dataset Catalogue for details in post 2003 data.