” ” ” “Private investments are taking off again consumers’ confidence is growing although moderately -, inflation remains stable. These are the forecasts for the European economy which have been presented today by the Commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, Joaquín Almunia. According to the Executive Committee, "in 2006, the economic growth will reach 2.2% in the EU and 1.9% in the euro-zone, which means 1.5% and 1.3% higher than 2005". Unlike the previous forecasts published last Autumn, "the growth in production in the 25-member EU will increase 0.1 points more, while the forecasts for the Euro-zone remain unchanged". It is the first time that the Commission announces the "interim forecasts" that come midway between the wider and more exhaustive surveys of Spring and Autumn. According to Almunia, "the clear recovery of private investments, driven by the optimistic expectations on the demand side, the big profits of the companies and the continuation of favourable terms of investment, confirm the favourable trend of growth, wich began last Summer". Finally, "differences in terms of growth within the five larger member states are expected to decrease in 2006, since business is expected to recover, especially in Germany and France": stable or negative figures in Great Britain, Italy and Spain; about the potential economic growth, "the risk connected with oil prices remains".” “
