18/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - In the third quarter of 2006, growth in the euro zone experienced an increase of 0.5% of GNI (2.7% of GNI taken as an annual figure), which is slightly down on the first half of the year, but still very healthy, according to the quarterly report on the euro zone which was published on Monday by DG Ecofin. Thanks to internal demand, amongst other things, the euro zone is still in good health, even given the less favourable international context, against the backdrop of an American economy which is slowing down. For the whole of the year 2006, the Commission expects an increase of GNI to a level of 2.6% in the euro zone (EUROPE 9300). The report is available on the Commission's website of the following address: http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/economy_finance/publications/quarterly_report_on_the_euro_area_en.htm . (ab)