A growth of so-called “economic sentiment” has been registered for the fifth consecutive month. The indicator reflects a series of data on the overall economic activity of the EU, combining evaluations, forecasts and analyses resulting from surveys conducted among consumer associations and businesses (industries, services, building and commerce). The General Directorate for Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission has now published its report relating to April 2006, which testifies to the growth of the confidence that European businesses and consumers have in the EU economy. The positive trend of the indicators is especially linked to the by now consolidated revival of the industrial sector (order books have reached record levels) and the services sector. Statistically, the growth in confidence is also due to the fact that all the major EU countries (UK, Spain, Italy, France and Germany) are simultaneously registering highly positive results. The only significant downturn in confidence is that of Poland.
