Euro area growth eases to 0.4 per cent in third quarter
The EU economy expanded by 0.5 per cent, down from 0.7 per cent in the second quarter, preliminary Eurostat estimates show.
Eurostat put quarterly euro area GDP growth at 0.4 per cent for the third quarter of 2026, compared with 0.6 per cent in the preceding quarter. Its preliminary flash estimate showed growth across the EU also slowing, to 0.5 per cent from 0.7 per cent. The figures are seasonally adjusted.
Annual growth strengthened in both areas. Euro area output was 1.3 per cent above its level a year earlier, following a 1.2 per cent increase in the second quarter. The corresponding EU rate reached 1.5 per cent, after 1.4 per cent.
Ireland led the countries with available quarterly figures, recording growth of 5.5 per cent. Estonia, Spain and the Netherlands each posted 0.6 per cent. Lithuania’s GDP contracted by 1.0 per cent, while France recorded a decline of 0.1 per cent.
Eurostat cautioned that the estimates use incomplete information and remain open to revision. Data from 19 member states underpin the calculation, representing 96 per cent of euro area GDP and 94 per cent of EU GDP. Ireland’s estimate is experimental and relies mainly on output data; expenditure results will be incorporated in later revisions.
Earlier quarterly estimates for the EU and euro area were left unchanged. Eurostat is due to publish its next third-quarter estimates on 13 November 2026.
