Which European economies grew the fastest? Ireland recorded the strongest expansion in the second quarter at 3.9%
The eurozone economy was expected to lose momentum in the second quarter of 2026, but the opposite happened. Eurostat's preliminary estimate showed that GDP expanded by 0.4% compared to the first quarter. Across the European Union, growth accelerated to 0.5%, from 0.1% previously. Annual growth also strengthened, reaching 1.0% in the euro area and 1.2% in the EU as a whole.
At first glance, the figures suggest that the bloc is proving more stable than expected, despite higher energy prices and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
Among countries that have already released second-quarter data, Ireland posted the strongest quarterly expansion, with GDP rising by 3.9%. It was followed by Lithuania, where the economy grew by 1.7%, and Sweden, which expanded by 1.4%.
Southern Europe also remained resilient. Portugal recorded quarterly growth of 0.8%, while Spain continued to outperform the eurozone's largest economies with a 0.7% expansion.
At the other end of the scale, Belgium and Austria stagnated, recording no growth in the quarter. Germany, France and Italy all expanded, but at a slower pace than before. Germany's economy grew by 0.2%, slowing from 0.4% in the first quarter.
France also returned to economic growth, with GDP growing by 0.2% after contracting in the previous quarter.
If there was one major economy that continued to defy expectations, it was Spain. GDP accelerated to 0.7%, extending a pace that has consistently outpaced its eurozone counterparts. Strong household spending, robust exports, fiscal support and the country’s growing renewable energy capacity have helped to shield consumers from rising energy prices. Italy also expanded by 0.2%, slowing from 0.3% in the previous quarter.
EU to build its own AI gigafactories/ Aims to generate over 30 billion euros in public and private funding
The European Commission has launched a call for proposals aimed at generating over €30 billion in public and private financing for the construction of seven......
Energy supply in Durrës, Karakaçi: OST and OSSH are on full alert on the ground
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy announces that the structures of the OST and OSSH are fully prepared to restore power to the entire affected area......
Qeveria miraton Programin “Pas shkolle” për sistemin publik, buxheti do paguajë trajnuesit 1 mijë lekë për orë
Në mbledhjen e sotme Qeveria ka miratuar organizimin dhe zhvillimit të programit “PAS SHKOLLE”, një veprimtari, që do të zhvillohet jashtë orarit mësimor të......
"VLORË TEDA/RAMS FREE ZONE", the government announces the 885,500 square meter free zone with 1 euro
In its meeting today, the Government announced the construction of a free economic development zone in Vlora. Under the name “VLORË TEDA/RAMS FREE ZONE”, the......
From the suspension of construction in tourist areas to the recognition of the lever of control with Italy, Government Decisions are published
The Media and Information Agency has published the full decisions and draft laws that were taken today at the government meeting. According to the official......
Alternative variant, DP for territorial division: Albania is divided into 6 regions and 100 municipalities
After the publication of the Socialist Party's official version of the territorial division, the first draft of which has been sent to the Assembly, the......
"From 61 to 46 municipalities", the SP's proposal for the Administrative-Territorial reform
The deputies of the majority parliamentary group, members of the Special Parliamentary Committee for Administrative-Territorial Reform, have forwarded the......
A new step towards strengthening economic relations between Albania and Indonesia
During her official visit to Jakarta, the Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia on......
