Europe's Economy Slows in Early 2026 as GDP Growth Drops to Just 0.1%

Europe's economy grew at a slower pace in the first quarter of 2026, according to a preliminary estimate released by Eurostat on April 30. The euro area and the European Union each recorded GDP growth of just 0.1% compared to the previous quarter, down from 0.2% growth in the fourth quarter of 2025. Year-on-year, the euro area expanded by 0.8% and the EU by 1.0%, both weaker than the 1.3% and 1.4% recorded in the prior year's quarter. The estimate covers 19 member states, representing 96% of euro area GDP and 94% of EU GDP. Among individual countries, Finland led with 0.9% growth, followed by Hungary at 0.8%, while Estonia and Spain each grew 0.6%. Ireland suffered the sharpest fall at -2.0%, with Lithuania down 0.4% and Sweden falling 0.2%. Year-on-year growth remained positive for 14 countries and negative for one. Updated figures are due May 13, 2026.