"After years of disappointing results, in 2006 the economy of the European Union is expected to give record-breaking results, the best since the start of the decade, and in 2007 and 2008 it should almost fulfil its potentials". Joaquín Almunia, commissioner for economic and financial affairs, presented in Brussels today the Autumn forecasts, a traditional event of economic analysis of the EU Executive Committee. The document shows positive short- and medium-term results. "This is evidence according to Almunia of the advantages of the economic reforms and the recovery of public accounts in a worldwide scenario of powerful economic growth, and it should drive the member states to move on along this way", which is "the only one to lead to a rise in employment”. The Commission’s experts warn that "the growth rate in 2006 is expected to reach 2.8% in the 25-member EU and 2.6% in the euro-zone" (12 member states). Last year, these figures were one percent point lower. "This recovery is mainly due to a strong growth in domestic demand, in particular investments, and a stable worldwide growth". But the trend should "slightly decrease" in the next two years. ” “
