The European Union (EU) seems to be heading towards a technical recession in June 2023. The eurozone already slipped into a recession early in the year due to high food and energy prices, which impacted consumer spending. According to the statistics agency of the European Union, Eurostat, economic output in the 20 countries using the euro currency declined by 0.1% in both the final three months of 2022 and the first three months of 2023 compared to the previous quarter.
This implies that the eurozone experienced two consecutive quarters of decline, a definition of recession often used in political and economic discussions, termed a “technical” recession. However, only 7% of forecasters expect the euro area to undergo another recession between now and the end of the year. The danger lies in the fact that if the expectation of falling prices becomes entrenched, it could further weaken demand, exacerbate debt burdens, and even trap the economy in a deflationary spiral. The EU is now grappling with challenges in meeting the government’s modest growth target of 5% for 2023, and deflation and default are haunting the economy.
Economic Indicators of EU Recession.
The economic indicators pointing to a recession in the EU are as follows:
- The GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the eurozone decreased by 0.1% over the past two quarters, meeting the common definition of a recession—two consecutive quarters of negative growth.
- Several economies within the eurozone were in recession or experienced two consecutive quarters of decline, including Germany, the largest economy in the EU.
- Retail sales have slowed down, indicating a decrease in consumer demand.
- Consumer prices decreased by 0.1% in the first quarter of 2023, impacting consumer spending.
- The youth unemployment rate reached a record level of 20.0% among the urban population aged 16 to 24.
Definition of Economic Recession.
An economic recession is a period of economic slowdown within a country. The precise definition of a recession can vary from one country to another, but it is generally characterized by a decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for at least two consecutive quarters. Other indicators may also be considered, such as a decrease in retail sales, an increase in unemployment, a drop in industrial production, and more. Recessions can be caused by various factors, including financial crises, decreased demand, rising interest rates, falling commodity prices, among others. Recessions can have significant economic and social consequences, such as increased unemployment, decreased incomes, reduced investments, and more. Governments and central banks may implement economic policies to stimulate economic activity and emerge from a recession.