News
In May 2024, DG ECFIN’s flash estimate of the consumer confidence indicator picked up, by 0.5 percentage points (pps.) in the EU and 0.4 pps. in the euro area. At -13.2 (EU) and -14.3 (euro area) points, consumer confidence still remains below the long-term average.
In April 2024, the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) declined marginally in both the EU (-0.3 points to 96.2) and the euro area (-0.6 points to 95.6).
In April 2024, the consumer confidence indicator remained stable in the EU and broadly stable in the euro area (±0.0 percentage points (pps.)).
Publications
After a prolonged period of stagnation, better-than-expected growth at the start of 2024 and the ongoing reduction in inflation set the scene for a gradual recovery of the EU economy over the forecast horizon.
This paper reviews developments in the euro area external position, discusses the main drivers and provides some insights into the likely determinants of the external position in the near term.