Euro area quarterly growth eases to 0.4 per cent
EU output rose by 0.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2026, while neither area recorded a quarterly increase in employment.
The euro area’s economy expanded by 0.4 per cent quarter on quarter in July–September 2026, Eurostat said in its flash estimates. Growth in the wider EU reached 0.5 per cent. Both seasonally adjusted rates were below their second-quarter readings of 0.6 per cent and 0.7 per cent respectively.
The annual comparison showed faster growth. Euro area output exceeded its year-earlier level by 1.3 per cent, up from a 1.2 per cent annual increase in the second quarter. For the EU, annual growth advanced from 1.4 per cent to 1.5 per cent.
Headcounts held steady across both economies on a quarterly basis, following employment gains of 0.1 per cent in April–June. Employment was also 0.4 per cent above year-earlier levels in each area. The preceding quarter’s annual increases were 0.5 per cent for the euro area and 0.4 per cent for the EU.
National submissions underpinning the output estimates covered 97 per cent of GDP for each area. The corresponding employment coverage was 95 per cent for the euro area and 92 per cent for the EU.
Eurostat cautioned that all figures remain subject to revision. Its next regular estimates are scheduled for 7 December 2026 and 19 January 2027.
