Economic growth slowed across Europe at the beginning of 2018. Germany's economic growth slowed to 0.3% in the first quarter of 2018 from expectations of 0.4% growth after 0.6% growth in the previous quarter.
In the eurozone, the slowdown in economic growth was confirmed as GDP grew by 0.4%, opening the door to further questions about whether the slowdown was just a correction or more.
So far officials believe the slowdown is due to temporary factors such as the weather and expressed their confidence in the erosion of that weakness. The European commission has reduced its fears and kept its forecast for the euro-zone economy growth in 2018, despite threats including increased trade protectionism and the strength of the euro, which could halt any expansion of the economy.
