Eurozone economy posts marginal first-quarter growth, Eurostat flash estimate shows
Eurostat's flash estimate showed the eurozone economy expanded by 0.1% in the first quarter of 2026, matching the previous quarter. Slowdowns in Germany and France pulled the bloc into marginal growth.
Eurostat said the gross domestic product of the 20-member eurozone grew by 0.1% quarter on quarter and 1.2% year on year. Across the wider European Union, growth came in at 0.2%.
Germany showed renewed signs of contraction and France weakened on the export side, dragging the bloc average lower. Spain and Portugal contributed stronger expansions. Eurostat also flagged that the impact of the Iran war on energy prices may become more visible in the next quarter.
The European Central Bank will publish a new monetary policy report next week, assessing Treasury yields and inflation expectations. Economists expect the ECB to keep its cautious stance and clarify the rate-cut timetable for the rest of the year.
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