31/01/2024 (Agence Europe) – During the fourth quarter of 2023, seasonally-adjusted GDP remained stable in the euro area and the European Union compared to the previous quarter, according to the preliminary flash estimate based on incomplete data published by the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) on Tuesday 30 January. Annual GDP is forecast to grow by 0.5% in 2023 in the euro area and the EU. Of the twelve Member States for which data are available, Portugal (+0.8%) recorded the highest rise in national GDP in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with the previous quarter, followed by Spain (+0.6%), Belgium and Latvia (both +0.4%). Declines were recorded in Ireland (-0.7%), Germany and Lithuania (both -0.3%). Growth was flat in France and sluggish in Italy (+0.2%). (MB)