House prices up by 4.2% in the euro area

House prices, as measured by the House Price Index, rose by 4.2% in the euro area (EA19) and by 4.7% in the EU27 in the fourth quarter of 2019 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. The data relate to a period before COVID-19 containment measures began to be widely introduced by Member States. These figures come from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Business investment up to 25.8% in the euro area

In the fourth quarter of 2019, before COVID-19 containment measures began to be widely introduced by Member States, the business investment rate was 25.8% in the euro area, compared with 23.7% in the previous quarter.

Household saving rate nearly stable at 13.0% in the euro area

In the fourth quarter of 2019, before COVID-19 containment measures began to be widely introduced by Member States, the household saving rate in the euro area was 13.0%, compared with 12.9% in the third quarter of 2019.

Volume of retail trade up by 0.9% in euro area

In February 2020 ¬– the month before COVID-19 containment measures began to be widely introduced by Member States –, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 0.9% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU, compared with January 2020, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In January 2020, the retail trade volume increased by 0.7% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU.

Industrial producer prices down by 0.6% in both euro area and EU

In February 2020, – the month before COVID-19 containment measures began to be widely introduced by Member States –, industrial producer prices decreased by 0.6% in both the euro area and the EU, compared with January 2020, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In January 2020, prices increased by 0.2% in both the euro area and the EU.

Euro area unemployment at 7.3%

The euro area seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 7.3% in February 2020 ¬– the month before COVID-19 containment measures began to be widely introduced by Member States –, down from 7.4% in January 2020 and from 7.8% in February 2019. This is the lowest rate recorded in the euro area since March 2008. The EU unemployment rate was 6.5% in February 2020, stable compared with January 2020 and down from 6.9% in February 2019. This remains the lowest rate recorded in the EU since the start of the monthly unemployment series in February 2000. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Hourly labour costs ranged from €6.0 to €44.7 across the EU Member States in 2019

In 2019, average hourly labour costs in the whole economy (excluding agriculture and public administration) were estimated to be €27.7 in the European Union of 27 Member States (EU) and €31.4 in the euro area. However, the average masks significant gaps between EU Member States, with the lowest hourly labour costs recorded in Bulgaria (€6.0), Romania (€7.7), Lithuania (€9.4), Hungary and Latvia (both €9.9), and the highest in Denmark (€44.7), Luxembourg (€41.6), Belgium (€40.5), France (€36.6), the Netherlands (€36.4), Sweden (€36.3), Germany (€35.6) and Austria (€34.7).

Euro area annual inflation down to 0.7%

Euro area annual inflation is expected to be 0.7% in March 2020, down from 1.2% in February according to a flash estimate from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

EU Member States granted citizenship to over 670 thousand people in 2018

In 2018, around 672 300 persons acquired citizenship of one of the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU), down from 700 600 in 2017 and 843 900 in 2016. Of the total number of persons obtaining the citizenship of one of the EU Member States in 2018, 13% were former citizens of another EU Member State, while the majority were non-EU citizens or stateless.

EU trade in goods balance close to €200 bn surplus in 2019

In 2019, the trade in goods balance of the European Union of 27 Member States (EU) was in surplus by €197 billion, a significant increase with respect to 2018 (+€152 bn). Looking at the trend over time, after recording a small deficit between 2009 and 2011, the EU trade balance recorded a continuous surplus that peaked at €264 billion in 2016, and then decreased in 2017 and 2018.

612 700 first-time asylum seekers registered in 2019, up by 12% compared with 2018

In 2019, 612 700 first-time asylum seekers applied for international protection in the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU), up by 12% compared with 2018 (549 000), but around half of the number recorded in the peak year 2015 when 1 216 900 first-time asylum applicants were registered.

Production in construction up by 3.6% in euro area

In January 2020 compared with December 2019, seasonally adjusted production in the construction sector increased by 3.6% in the euro area (EA19) and by 3.9% in the EU27, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In December 2019, production in construction fell by 1.8% in the euro area and by 1.7% in the EU27.

Annual inflation down to 1.2% in the euro area

The euro area annual inflation rate was 1.2% in February 2020, down from 1.4% in January. A year earlier, the rate was 1.5%. European Union annual inflation was 1.6% in February 2020, down from 1.7% in January. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6%. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Euro area international trade in goods surplus €1.3 bn

Euro area: The first estimate for euro area (EA19) exports of goods to the rest of the world in January 2020 was €184.0 billion, an increase of 0.2% compared with January 2019 (€183.7 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €182.7 bn, a fall of 0.2% compared with January 2019 (€183.0 bn). As a result, the euro area recorded a €1.3 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in January 2020, compared with +€0.6 bn in January 2019. Intra-euro area trade fell to €164.2 bn in January 2020, down by 1.6% compared with January 2019.

Annual growth in labour costs at 2.4% in euro area

Hourly labour costs rose by 2.4% in the euro area (EA19) and by 2.7% in the EU27 in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with the same quarter of the previous year. In the third quarter of 2019, hourly labour costs increased by 2.6% and 2.9% respectively. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Euro area job vacancy rate at 2.2%

The job vacancy rate in the euro area (EA19) was 2.2% in the fourth quarter of 2019, stable compared with the previous quarter and down from 2.3% in the fourth quarter of 2018, according to figures published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In the EU27, the job vacancy rate was 2.2% in the fourth quarter of 2019, stable compared with the previous quarter and the fourth quarter of 2018.

Industrial production up by 2.3% in euro area

In January 2020 compared with December 2019, seasonally adjusted industrial production rose by 2.3% in the euro area (EA19) and by 2.0% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In December 2019, industrial production fell by 1.8% in the euro area and by 1.6% in the EU27.

GDP up by 0.1% and employment by 0.3% in the euro area

Seasonally adjusted GDP rose by 0.1% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.2% in the EU27 during the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with the previous quarter, according to an estimate published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In the third quarter of 2019, GDP had grown by 0.3% in the euro area and by 0.4% in the EU27.

Only 1 manager out of 3 in the EU is a woman…

More than 6.7 million persons hold a managerial position in the European Union of 27 Member States (EU): 4.3 million men (63% of all managers) and 2.5 million women (37%).

Employment grew in 9 out of 10 EU regions in 2018

In 2018, 208 of the 240 EU regions (87%) saw their employment grow, while in 5 regions the number of persons employed remained stable and in a further 27 regions employment decreased.

Regional GDP per capita ranged from 30% to 263% of the EU average in 2018

In 2018, regional GDP per capita, expressed in terms of purchasing power standards (PPS), ranged from 30% of the European Union (EU) average in Mayotte, an overseas region of France, to 263% in Luxembourg.

Volume of retail trade up by 0.6% in euro area

In January 2020 compared with December 2019, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade increased by 0.6% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.5% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Euro area annual inflation down to 1.2%

Euro area annual inflation is expected to be 1.2% in February 2020, down from 1.4% in January according to a flash estimate from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Euro area unemployment at 7.4%

The euro area (EA19) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 7.4% in January 2020, stable compared with December 2019 and down from 7.8% in January 2019. This remains the lowest rate recorded in the euro area since May 2008.

Industrial producer prices up by 0.4% in both euro area and EU27

In January 2020, compared with December 2019, industrial producer prices rose by 0.4% in both euro area (EA19) and EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In December 2019, prices increased by 0.1% in both euro area and EU27.

Highest proportion of government expenditure goes to social protection and health

In 2018, total government expenditure in the European Union (EU) amounted to 46.7% of gross domestic product (GDP). This share has steadily decreased since 2012, when it stood at 49.7% of GDP.

Annual inflation up to 1.4% in the euro area

The euro area annual inflation rate was 1.4% in January 2020, up from 1.3% in December. A year earlier, the rate was 1.4%. European Union annual inflation was 1.7% in January 2020, up from 1.6% in December. A year earlier, the rate was 1.5%. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Production in construction down by 3.1% in euro area

In December 2019 compared with November 2019, seasonally adjusted production in the construction sector decreased by 3.1% in the euro area (EA19) and by 2.8% in the EU27, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In November 2019, production in construction increased by 0.7% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU27.

Euro area international trade in goods surplus €23.1 bn

The first estimate for euro area (EA19) exports of goods to the rest of the world in December 2019 was €186.1 billion, an increase of 4.8% compared with December 2018 (€177.5 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €163.0 bn, a rise of 1.1% compared with December 2018 (€161.2 bn). As a result, the euro area recorded a €23.1 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in December 2019, compared with + €16.3 bn in December 2018. Intra-euro area trade rose to €145.5 bn in December 2019, up by 1.0% compared with December 2018.

GDP up by 0.1% and employment up by 0.3% in the euro area

GDP growth in the euro area and EU27: Seasonally adjusted GDP rose by 0.1% in both the euro area (EA19) and the EU27 during the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with the previous quarter, according to a flash estimate published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In the third quarter of 2019, GDP had grown by 0.3% in both zones.

Industrial production down by 2.1% in euro area

In December 2019 compared with November 2019, seasonally adjusted industrial production fell by 2.1% in the euro area (EA19) and by 2.0% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In November 2019, industrial production remained stable in the euro area and in the EU27.

Volume of retail trade down by 1.6% in euro area

IIn December 2019 compared with November 2019, the seasonally adjusted volume of retail trade decreased by 1.6% in the euro area (EA19) and by 1.3% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In November 2019, the retail trade volume increased by 0.8% in the euro area and by 0.9% in the EU27.

Industrial producer prices stable in both euro area and EU27

In December 2019, compared with November 2019, industrial producer prices remained stable in both the euro area (EA19) and the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In November 2019, prices increased by 0.1% in the euro area and by 0.2% in the EU27.

Primary and final energy consumption still 5% and 3% above their 2020 targets

In 2018, energy consumption in the European Union of 27 Member States (EU) remained stable. Primary energy consumption reached 1 376 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), 0.71% less than the previous year, while final energy consumption reached 990 Mtoe, 0.02% more compared with 2017.

Euro area annual inflation up to 1.4%

Euro area annual inflation is expected to be 1.4% in January 2020, up from 1.3% in December according to a flash estimate from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

GDP up by 0.1% in both euro area and EU28

Seasonally adjusted GDP rose by 0.1% in both the euro area (EA19) and the EU28 during the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with the previous quarter, according to a preliminary flash estimate published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In the third quarter of 2019, GDP had grown by 0.3% in both zones.

Euro area unemployment at 7.4%

The euro area (EA19) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 7.4% in December 2019, down from 7.5% in November 2019 and from 7.8% in December 2018. This is the lowest rate recorded in the euro area since May 2008. The EU28 unemployment rate was 6.2% in December 2019, down from 6.3% in November 2019 and from 6.6% in December 2018. This is the lowest rate recorded in the EU28 since the start of the EU monthly unemployment series in January 2000. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Contingent liabilities and non-performing loans in the EU Member States in 2018

Data on contingent liabilities and non-performing loans of EU governments for the year 2018 have been published today by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Household real income per capita up in both euro area and EU28

In the euro area, in real terms, household income per capita increased by 0.4% in the third quarter of 2019, after an increase of 0.3% in the previous quarter. Household real consumption per capita increased in the third quarter of 2019 by 0.4%, after an increase by 0.1% in the second quarter of 2019.

EU surplus up to over €186 bn in 2018

The European Union (EU) surplus in trade in services, which fell between 2013 and 2016, increased to €154.0 bn in 2017, then to €186.3 bn in 2018. This is the result of EU exports of services to the rest of the world rising by 3%, from €933.4 bn in 2017 to €961.0 bn in 2018, while EU imports decreased by 0.6%, from €779.5 bn to €774.7 bn.

Number of nights spent in the EU up by 2.4%

In 2019, the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation in the European Union (EU) is expected to have reached more than 3.2 billion, up by 2.4% compared with 2018. Since 2009, there has been a steady increase in the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation establishments in the EU, notably driven by a rise in nights spent by non-residents of the country visited.

Share of renewable energy in the EU up to 18.0%

In 2018, the share of energy from renewable sources in gross final energy consumption reached 18.0% in the European Union (EU), up from 17.5% in 2017 and more than double the share in 2004 (8.5%), the first year for which the data are available. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Seasonally adjusted government deficit unchanged at 0.7% of GDP in the euro area

In the third quarter of 2019, the seasonally adjusted general government deficit to GDP ratio stood at 0.7% in the euro area (EA19), compared with 0.7% in the second quarter of 2019. In the EU28, the deficit to GDP ratio stood at 0.9%, compared with 0.9% in the previous quarter.

Government debt down to 86.1% of GDP in euro area

At the end of the third quarter of 2019, the government debt to GDP ratio in the euro area (EA19) stood at 86.1%, compared with 86.4% at the end of the second quarter of 2019. In the EU28, the ratio decreased from 80.4% to 80.1%. Compared with the third quarter of 2018, the government debt to GDP ratio fell in both the euro area (from 87.1% to 86.1%) and the EU28 (from 81.4% to 80.1%).

Production in construction up by 0.7% in euro area

In November 2019 compared with October 2019, seasonally adjusted production in the construction sector increased by 0.7% in the euro area (EA19) and by 1.1% in the EU28, according to first estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In October 2019, production in construction fell by 0.5% in the euro area and by 0.4% in the EU28.

Annual inflation up to 1.3% in the euro area

The euro area annual inflation rate was 1.3% in December 2019, up from 1.0% in November. A year earlier, the rate was 1.5%. European Union annual inflation was 1.6% in December 2019, up from 1.3% in November. A year earlier, the rate was 1.6%. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

1 in 4 EU citizens avoided providing personal information to social or professional networking services due to security concerns

In 2019, 44% of EU citizens aged between 16 to 74 claimed to have limited their private internet activities in the last 12 months due to security concerns.

House prices up by 4.1% in both the euro area and the EU

House prices, as measured by the House Price Index, rose by 4.1% in both the euro area and the EU in the third quarter of 2019 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. These figures come from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Industrial production up by 0.2% in euro area

In November 2019 compared with October 2019, seasonally adjusted industrial production rose by 0.2% in the euro area (EA19) and fell by 0.1% in the EU28, according to estimates from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. In October 2019, industrial production fell by 0.9% in the euro area and by 0.6% in the EU28.

Euro area international trade in goods surplus €20.7 bn

The first estimate for euro area (EA19) exports of goods to the rest of the world in November 2019 was €197.7 billion, a decrease of 2.9% compared with November 2018 (€203.7 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €177.0 bn, a fall of 4.6% compared with November 2018 (€185.5 bn). As a result, the euro area recorded a €20.7 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in November 2019, compared with +€18.2 bn in November 2018. Intra-euro area trade fell to €166.0 bn in November 2019, down by 3.8% compared with November 2018.