European Commission predicts 1.5% economic growth this yearMay 5, 2015 - 14:34 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Eurozone economic growth will be slightly stronger this year than previously forecast, European Commission's latest forecast reveals. According to BBC News, 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. "But more needs to be done to ensure this recovery is more than a seasonal phenomenon," he added. The falling price of crude oil has helped to reduce business costs, while the weak euro helps exporters. And the European Central Bank has injected money into the 19-nation eurozone. 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. The sharp cut in the forecast for Greece comes as a new round of debt talks between Greece and its creditors gets under way this week. "In light of the persistent uncertainty, a downward revision [for Greece] has been unavoidable," Mr Moscovici said. Related links: Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. 151 detained as civil disobedience campaigns continue in Yerevan Citizens have been blocking streets in the Armenian capital, demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. |