Eurozone economy stagnated in the second quarter

Zero growth, as reported by the statistical agency Eurostat, should bother politicians, who are preparing for the negative impact of sanctions against Russia. 

According to Reuters, the largest economy in the region Germany declined by 0.2% qoq, confounding the Bundesbank forecast stagnation, reported the country's statistical office. 

France showed slightly better results - zero growth in the second quarter in a row. The Government of France, which again will not be able to reach the landmark of the budget deficit this year, and to halve the 1-percent GDP growth forecast for 2014. 

The third largest economy in the block, Italy, once again slipped into recession for the third time since 2008, a decline in the second quarter by 0.2% and putting pressure on Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, which is expected to complete the promised structural reforms. 

The results of other eurozone countries have been more positive. Dutch GDP grew by 0.5%, Austria - by 0.2%, Finland - 0.1%.