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GDP declined by 0.1% in the euro area (EA16) and by 0.3% in the EU27 during the second quarter of 2009, compared with the previous quarter, according to flash estimates published by Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities. In the first quarter of 2009, growth rates were -2.5% in the euro area and -2.4% in the EU27.

In June 2009 compared with May 2009, seasonally adjusted industrial production fell by 0.6% in the euro area (EA16) and by 0.2% in the EU27. In May production grew by 0.6% in the euro area and remained stable in the EU27.

Online employment opportunities across the UK held steady in July, as recruitment remained largely unchanged for the fourth consecutive month. The overall European Index dipped one point in July and contracted by 40 percent year-on-year.

Online recruitment activity across the European Union continued slowing in July as sluggish demand in Germany offset seasonal upticks in France and Italy. The Index’s year-on-year decline of 66 points (40 percent) represents the steepest annual drop on record, indicating the European labour market remains in contraction mode despite signs of stabilisation in some of the major markets. Sustained falls in sectors such as accounting, consulting, engineering, IT and R&D suggest many European businesses continue to rein in external costs and remain cautious about investing due to the uncertain economic climate.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index™ (LEI) for Spain increased 0.2 percent. The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index™ (CEI) decreased 0.4 percent in June.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index™ (LEI) for the U.K. increased 1.0 percent, and The Conference Board Coincident Economic Index™ (CEI) increased 0.1 percent in June.

In June 2009, compared with May 2009, the volume of retail trade fell by 0.2% in the euro area (EA16), but increased by 0.1% in the EU27. In May retail trade declined by 0.5% and by 0.6% respectively.

The European Commission's Digital Competitiveness report published today shows that Europe's digital sector has made strong progress since 2005: 56% of Europeans now regularly use the internet, 80% of them via a high-speed connection (compared to only one third in 2004), making Europe the world leader in broadband internet. Europe is the world's first truly mobile continent with more mobile subscribers than citizens (a take up rate of 119%). Europe can advance even further as a generation of "digitally savvy" young Europeans becomes a strong market driver for growth and innovation. Building on the potential of the digital economy is essential for Europe's sustainable recovery from the economic crisis. Today the Commission has asked the public what future strategy the EU should adopt to make the digital economy run at full speed.

In June 2009 compared with May 2009, the industrial producer price index rose by 0.3% in the euro area (EA16) and by 0.2% in the EU27. In May, prices remained stable in both zones.

On 1 January 2009, the population of the EU27 was estimated at 499.8 million, compared with 497.7 million on 1 January 2008. The population of the EU27 grew by 2.1 million in 2008, an annual rate of +0.4%, due to a natural increase of 0.6 million and net migration of 1.5 million.