Europe Drifts Closer to Stagnation (opens in new tab)

(click to enlarge) According to Eurostat’s estimates, economic growth in the European Union remained positive but slowed during the first quarter of 2026. Seasonally adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.1 percent in the euro area and by 0.2 percent across the EU compared with the previous quarter. This represents a moderation from the fourth quarter of 2025, when GDP expanded by 0.2 percent in both areas. On an annual basis, growth also weakened. Euro area GDP rose by 0.8 perc...