In the fourth quarter of 2024, seasonally-adjusted GDP rose by 0.1% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU compared with the previous quarter, according to the flash estimate published by the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) on Friday 14 February. In the third quarter of 2024, GDP rose by 0.4% in both zones.
Of the 21 EU countries for which data are available for the fourth quarter, growth was strongest in Portugal (1.5%), Poland (1.3%) and Lithuania (0.9%). It was negative in Ireland (-1.3%), Germany (-0.2%) and France (-0.1%), and zero in Italy and Austria. Growth was strong in Spain (0.8%).
According to an estimate of the annual growth rate for 2024, based on quarterly data adjusted for seasonal variations and calendar effects, GDP rose by 0.7% in the euro area and by 0.9% in the EU.
Employment. The number of people in employment rose by 0.1% in the euro area and the EU in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with the previous quarter. In the previous quarter, employment had risen by 0.2% in the euro area and remained stable in the EU.
According to an estimate for 2024 based on quarterly data, employment rose by 0.9% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)