European Statistical Monitor: January edition

Today, Eurostat released the European Statistical Monitor, a dashboard with short-term indicators covering different areas, such as economy, environment, business, health and work.

This monthly updated dashboard is designed to track developments within the EU as a whole and its members, as well as the EFTA countries, providing a holistic overview of key developments. It focuses on monthly and quarterly indicators, ensuring up-to-date insights and includes a commentary, focusing on recent changes and trends.

The EU economy stabilizes, with steady expansion in the services sector and persistently low unemployment, while inflation and house prices continue rising

According to the latest monthly data, the EU economy shows signs of stabilization. In November 2024, industrial production continued its moderate growth after a period of fluctuation. This positive momentum was mirrored in the services sector, which maintained its steady expansion, and in retail trade, which returned to modest growth, though at a slower pace.

Nevertheless, overall economic sentiment dropped in December, driven by declining confidence among consumers and among industry and construction managers, signalling that uncertainty still lingers.

Inflation continued its upward trajectory, rising slightly in December. Increases in inflation were accompanied by a steady rise in house prices in Q3, in line with their moderate growth over the last six quarters. At the same time, the unemployment rate held steady at a historic low for the fourth month in a row.
Meanwhile, excess mortality fell in November, continuing its decline in October.

Asylum applications saw a notable increase for the second consecutive month in October, though they remained well below the level of October 2023.

You can read the full analysis by opening the Eurostat commentary linked in the dashboard's header.

The European Statistical Monitor is updated every month with the latest available data for each indicator.