"Euro area GDP is recovering and will return to pre-pandemic levels by the first quarter of 2022, one quarter earlier than expected in spring," Lagarde told the leaders according to one official familiar with the talks.

"Fiscal and monetary policy continue to play their role in underpinning economic activity and bolstering confidence. Continued support is needed to avoid that the pandemic leave large scars o the economy," she said.

(Reporting by Jan Strupczewski)