FRANKFURT (MNI) - European Central Bank Governing Council member Axel Weber hinted that the ECB could alter its collateral framework after President Jean-Claude Trichet dodged question on potential changes last week and Ewald Nowotny called the current situation "unacceptable."

In the meantime, Council members have confirmed that the central bank's exit from non-conventional policy support is on track, while the mixed bag of economic data should reinforce the ECB's cautious approach.

FRANKFURT (MNI) - A shift in the European Central Bank's collateral rules appears more likely after President Jean-Claude Trichet on Thursday failed to confirm the central bank's intention to revert to previous rules at the end of this year.

There may even be more fundamental changes looming in rating procedure for collateral that is eligible for the ECB refi operations.

FRANKFURT (MNI) - More disconcerting data reinforce the case for a very cautious and gradual European Central Bank exit from crisis mode as confidence continues to falter and lending data highlight the need for ongoing liquidity support.

While the European Commission's interim forecast for Eurozone growth and inflation was largely unchanged -- pointing to limited revisions for ECB staff forecasts to be released next week -- fresh data show headwinds are picking up.

FRANKFURT (MNI) - Weak economic data and ongoing concerns over Greece will keep European Central Bank policymakers on high alert, but recent comments suggest that the ECB will still announce at least some additional withdrawal of non-conventional liquidity support in the second quarter.

FRANKFURT (MNI) - The lackluster nature of Europe's recovery halfway through 1Q strongly suggests that the European Central Bank will leave interest rates on hold for some time to come.

The bank will still likely take another step in its gradual withdrawal of unconventional policy measures at its next meeting on March 4, given it has indicated it would and clearly wishes to maintain predictability.

Indeed, Executive Board member Jose Manuel Gonzalez-Paramo reaffirmed Friday that the bank's extraordinary measures would be withdrawn progressively.

FRANKFURT (MNI) - Comments, data and remaining concerns about Greece's solvency make it highly likely the European Central Bank will stick to a cautious course of liquidity withdrawal at its next meeting March 4.

On the data side, Germany's February ZEW was mixed. Financial market experts' six-month expectations fell in comparison with January, but not as much as expected. Current conditions improved, but less than anticipated.

"Financial market experts expect the economy to recover slowly from the crisis within the next six months," ZEW wrote.

FRANKFURT (MNI) - Recent data from the eurozone suggest that price pressures are very much under control and that the recovery will be slow, thus underpinning the European Central Bank's central scenario.

The data, coupled with comments Friday from ECB policymakers, further cement the expectation of a predictable, steady-hand by the central bank in the months ahead.

Monday's Bank of France survey projected French economic growth of 0.5% q/q this quarter. That would follow a matching 0.5% quarterly rise in 4Q, according to the bank's forecast.

FRANKFURT (MNI) - The European Central Bank's commitment to a very cautious exit from unconventional policy tools and ultra-low interest rates should be reinforced by the latest bank lending and inflation data.

Governing Council member Axel Weber said last week that the removal of measures supporting the financial markets will not only be "gradual" but also "continuous", suggesting further scaling down of those measure in the second quarter.