The fresh Eurostat data show that the European Union economy has a affirmative trend. GDP growth was recorded in the first 4th of 2025 and retail sales besides yielded optimistic results. In addition, Bulgaria will officially join the euro area in 2026.
GDP growth in the EU and the euro area
According to Eurostat's final data, Gross home Product (GDP) in the euro area and the full European Union increased by 0.6% kdk/kdk in the first 4th of 2025. This is simply a better consequence than marketplace forecasts, which assumed an increase of 0.3%.
Annual GDP increased by 1.5% in the euro area and 1.6% across the EU, while the marketplace consensus indicated 1.2%.
Which countries do their best?
- Ireland (+9.7 percent kdk) – strongest growth
- Malta (+2.1%)
- Cyprus (+1.3%)
On the another hand, the largest drop reported in:
- Luxembourg (1.0%)
- Slovenia (-0.8%)
- Denmark and Portugal (after -0.5 percent)
Retail in the EU is growing
Eurostat besides provided retail sales data in April 2025:
- In the euro area an increase of 0.1% of the mean (as expected)
- Across the EU 0.7% increase in mdm
- Annual +2.3% in the euro area and +2.8% in the EU (better than forecast +1.3%)
Best and weakest results in retail
The biggest increase:
- Cyprus (+7.7% rdr)
- Estonia (+6.2%)
- Sweden (+5.7%)
Deductions:
- Luxembourg (-3.6%)
- Slovakia (-0.1%)
Bulgaria officially joins the euro area in 2026.
The European Commission and the European Central Bank have confirmed that Bulgaria has met all convergence criteria and from 1 January 2026 adopt the euro.
– present we have achieved an crucial milestone on our way to the euro area, marked by years of constant efforts and strict fiscal discipline. The introduction of the euro will improve economical stableness and make stronger foundations for investment and growth – said Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Żelazkov in an interview with Financial Times.
Summary
The EU economy in the first 4th of 2025 has maintained an expanding trend and the outlook for the following months remains optimistic. The accession of Bulgaria to the euro area will strengthen its global position.
More here:
EU economy in the first 4th of 2025 fresh GDP figures
