In the fourth quarter of 2024, seasonally adjusted GDP remained stable in the euro area and increased by 0.1% in the EU, 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 2024, GDP had grown by 0.4% in both areas.
According to a first estimation of annual growth for 2024, based on seasonally and calendar adjusted quarterly data, GDP increased by 0.7% in the euro area and by 0.8% in the EU.
These preliminary GDP flash estimates are based on data sources that are incomplete and subject to further revisions.
Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, seasonally adjusted GDP increased by 0.9% in the euro area and by 1.1% in the EU in the fourth quarter of 2024, after +0.9% in the euro area and +1.0% in the EU in the previous quarter.
Among the Member States for which data are available for the fourth quarter of 2024, Portugal (+1.5%) recorded the highest increase compared to the previous quarter, followed by Lithuania (+0.9%) and Spain (+0.8%). Declines were recorded in Ireland (-1.3%), Germany (-0.2%) and France (-0.1%). The year on year growth rates were positive for nine countries and negative for three.
The next estimates for the fourth quarter of 2024 will be released on 14 February 2025.
Notes for users
Revisions
The reliability of GDP flash estimates was tested by dedicated working groups and revisions of subsequent estimates are continuously monitored. Further information can be found on Eurostat website.
With this preliminary flash estimate, euro area and EU GDP figures for earlier quarters are not revised.
All figures presented in this release may be revised with the GDP t+45 flash estimate scheduled for 14 February 2025 and subsequently by Eurostat’s regular estimates of GDP and main aggregates (including employment) scheduled for 7 March 2025 and 16 April 2025.
The preliminary flash estimate of GDP growth for the fourth quarter of 2024 presented in this release is based on the data of 19 Member States, covering 96% of euro area GDP and 94% of EU GDP.
Release schedule
Comprehensive estimates of European main aggregates (including GDP and employment) are based on countries regular transmissions and published around 65 and 110 days after the end of each quarter. To improve the timeliness of key indicators, Eurostat also publishes flash estimates for GDP (after around 30 and 45 days) and employment (after around 45 days). Their compilation is based on estimates provided by EU Member States on a voluntary basis.
This news release presents preliminary flash estimates for euro area and EU after around 30 days.
Methods and definitions
European quarterly national accounts are compiled in accordance with the European System of Accounts 2010 (ESA 2010).
Gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices measures the production activity of resident production units. Growth rates are based on chain-linked volumes.
Two statistical working papers present the preliminary GDP flash methodology for the European estimates and Member States estimates.
The method used for compilation of European GDP is the same as for previous releases.
The first estimation of annual growth for 2024 is derived by dividing the sum of the four quarters of 2024 by the sum of the four quarters of 2023. The quarterly values are expressed in millions of euro (chain-linked volumes) and include a correction for seasonal and calendar effects. The first regular estimates for annual growth in 2024 will be published on 7 March 2025.
Geographical information
Euro area (EA20): Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Finland.
European Union (EU27): Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden.
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