The European Central Bank (ECB) is reportedly nearing a decision to raise its key policy rate at the June Governing Council meeting, with a potential follow-up hike in July still under consideration. This move comes as eurozone inflation remains about 1 percentage point above the ECB's 2% target, prompting internal discussions to shift from "whether" to "when" a rate hike should occur. Analysts project the main refinancing rate could rise to around 2.4% by the end of the current quarter, indicating at least one 25 basis-point increase. The ECB's potential rate hikes could impact risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, as higher borrowing costs typically drive capital towards safer, yield-bearing instruments like government bonds. This shift in monetary policy could also affect the euro's strength against the dollar, influencing the cost of dollar-denominated assets such as Bitcoin for European buyers. The June 11 meeting is seen as a critical decision point, with markets closely watching for signals on the ECB's future rate path.