EA and EU Economic Snapshot
Economic Surveys of the European Union and the Euro Area (September 2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic plunged the EU into its worst-ever recession and risks increasing inequalities, notably between regions. Thanks to a bold and innovative policy response, including a common instrument to finance national recovery plans (Next Generation EU), growth is rebounding, but ambitious reforms will be essential to heal the scars of the pandemic and succeed in the green and digital transitions.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced most euro area economies into repeated lockdowns in 2020 and early 2021 that lead the euro area into its deepest recession on record in 2020. The policy reaction to the crisis was large and rapid.
European Union Executive Summary
Euro Area Executive Summary
E.U. and Euro Area Presentation
Further reading
- Overviews: Euro area | European Union
- For a more resilient and cohesive Europe, Blog post
- Press release
- Read the survey online, Euro area | European Union
- Previous surveys, Euro area | European Union
Economic Forecast Summary (May 2021)
As confinement measures are gradually lifted, economic growth is projected to rebound strongly in the second half of this year. The euro area is projected to grow by 4.3% in 2021 and 4.4% in 2022, boosted by private consumption, considerable fiscal support and vigorous external demand, notably from the United States. Unemployment is projected to decline to close to pre-crisis levels through 2022. A swift and effective implementation of the EU recovery plan would further bolster the recovery.
Reform Priorities (April 2021)
Going for Growth 2021 - European Union
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, the top immediate policy priority is to ensure efficient use of Next Generation EU, a recovery plan combining loans and grants of about 5.5% of EU27 2019 GDP to support member states’ recovery policies. Successful roll-out and implementation of this support will be crucial to reinvigorate economic growth across the European Union, boost digitalisation and innovation, bolster resilience to future shocks and achieve climate and inclusiveness objectives.
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2021 Structural Reform Priorities
- R&D and digitalisation: Increase investment in R&D and promote the diffusion of new technologies
- Competition and regulation: Reduce fragmentation in service and network sectors
- Environmental policy: Accelerate decarbonisation and green innovation
- Labour market: Ease the recognition of qualifications and protect migrants’ rights
- Agriculture: Make producer support more environment-friendly and less distortive