BERLIN -- It is "realistic" to believe that the European Central Bank would begin cutting rates in June if favorable conditions hold, the head of the Dutch central bank told Nikkei in an interview.

De Nederlandsche Bank President Klaas Knot is also an ECB member known for his hawkish views toward monetary easing. But he has indicated that he is open to a rate cut, given how inflation has alleviated in the eurozone.