ANKARA
Economic growth in the eurozone was slower than expected, according to a report from the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) on Friday.
The euro area economy grew by 0.3 percent in the second quarter, down from 0.4 percent in the first quarter, the report said.
Economic growth for the entire EU28 area was at 0.4 percent, the same as in the first quarter.
Growth was lower than analyst consensus estimates in both areas.
German GDP increased 0.4 percent, up from 0.3 percent in the first quarter. But it was below the analyst consensus forecast of 0.5 percent.
German statistical office Destatis said, in a note published on Friday, that exports were holding firm, but the lower value of the euro meant that exports were bringing in less revenue.
It is, however, the second quarter of slow growth for Germany.
France saw no growth at all in the second quarter.
Italy's GDP was up only 0.1 percent, and the Netherlands also showed a weak 0.2 percent growth.
One surprise was Portugal's strong performance: The country has seen 0.4 percent growth for the past three quarters.
The European Central Bank is counting on a recovery in Europe to push up inflation, which is at a record low.
The inflation rate in July was at only 0.2 percent, Eurostat reported on Friday.
