The euro-area economy grew 0.4% in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the previous quarter, Eurostat reported October 30 in a preliminary flash estimate. Growth across the wider European Union was 0.5%.
Both rates were slower than in the second quarter, when output rose 0.6% in the euro area and 0.7% in the EU.
Compared with a year earlier, third-quarter output increased 1.3% in the currency bloc and 1.5% in the EU. The figures measure changes in production volumes, with seasonal adjustments.
National results varied. Germany expanded 0.2%, Spain and the Netherlands each grew 0.6%, and Italy was unchanged. France contracted 0.1%.
Ireland recorded 5.5% quarterly growth. Eurostat cautioned that Ireland’s flash estimate is experimental and relies on incomplete information, requiring particular care in interpretation.
The European estimate draws on 19 member states, representing 96% of euro-area output and 94% of EU output. These early readings remain subject to revision.
Eurostat’s next third-quarter estimates are scheduled for November 13.
Sources: Eurostat — October 30 Preliminary GDP Estimate: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-euro-indicators/w/2-30102026-ap Image Source — ECB September 10 Footage, Frame 00:16; Filming Date Unverified: https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/tvservices/ondemand/html/index.en.html