Brussels, 18/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - Pointing to weaknesses in big economies (Germany, France and Italy), which account for 50% of the EU's GDP, the spring growth prospects published on Thursday by UNICE anticipate a fall in growth from 2.5% in 2004 to2.2% in 2005 for the EU25, and from 2% to 1.8% for the eurozone. The lack of growth forms the basis for the weak employment prospects observed in Europe, explained Jean-Paul Betbéze, President of the European employers' organisation's Economic and Financial Affairs Committee. Taking account of relatively mediocre consumer spending and uncertainty surrounding labour market reforms and reforms to pensions and healthcare systems, unemployment in the EU is expected to remain at 8.9% in 2005 and not improve until 2006, regrets UNICE in a press release. We will not be able to maintain our social and environment ambitions if the economic pillar of sustainable development is not considerably strengthened, said Philippe de Buck, UNICE Secretary General, believing that entrepreneurial confidence will not significantly improve without the Stability and Growth Pact's capacity to function being restored. He said that UNICE expected the Spring Summit to make a strong commitment in favour of growth and employment. (UNICE's report can be accessed at: http: //http://www.unice.org ).