Eurozone economic growth will be
slightly stronger this year than previously forecast, according to the
European Commission's latest forecast.
It predicts 1.5% growth
this year, up 0.2 percentage points from its forecast in February,
thanks to cheaper oil, a weak euro and stimulus measures.
The improvement was despite a much gloomier outlook for Greece, which saw forecast growth cut to 0.5% from 2.5%.
The report said faster growth would see inflation rise and unemployment fall.
For 2016, the Commission kept its forecast of 1.9% for the eurozone.
"The
European economy is enjoying its brightest spring in several years,
with the upturn supported by both external factors and policy measures
that are beginning to bear fruit," said Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner
for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs.
The
recovery is being powered by Germany, Europe's biggest economy, which is
forecast to see growth of 1.9%, followed by 2% next year. Spain's
recovery is predicted to continue, with growth of 2.8% in 2015 and 2.6%
the following year.
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