The eurozone is showing growth of 0,4% in the second quarter of 2026

Eurozone GDP grew by 0,4% in the second quarter of 2026, according to a preliminary estimate by Eurostat, exceeding economists' forecasts and reaching its highest pace since the first quarter of 2025.

The 21 countries of the eurozone recorded collective growth exceeding expectations. Economists had forecast an increase of 0,2%; the final result was more than double that. Year-on-year, the eurozone's GDP rose by 1,0%, while the European Union as a whole saw growth of 1,2%.

National performances, however, vary considerably. Ireland stands out with quarterly growth of 3,9%, a figure that economists urge caution in interpreting: the massive presence of multinationals with European bases in the country makes its statistics particularly volatile. Lithuania follows with 1,7% growth. Conversely, Austria and Belgium recorded no growth during the period.

The bloc's major economies posted modest but stable gains, despite economic disruptions related to the Iran-Iraq War. Germany, France, and Italy each grew by 0,2% during the quarter. Spain, which has been among the eurozone's fastest-growing economies for several years, posted a 0,7% increase.