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EUROSTAT: Fourth quarter of 2016 – Seasonally adjusted government deficit down to 1.4% of GDP in both the euro area and the EU28 – Driven by reduction in total expenditure
In the fourth quarter of 2016, the seasonally adjusted general government deficit to GDP ratio stood at 1.4% in the euro area (EA19), a decrease compared with 1.6% in the third quarter of 2016. In the EU28, the deficit to GDP ratio also stood at 1.4%, a decrease compared with 1.7% in the previous quarter. Full text available here
EUROSTAT: Europe 2020 employment indicators – Employment rate of people aged 20 to 64 in the EU reached a new peak at 71.1% in 2016 – Seven Member States already achieved their 2020 targets
In 2016, the employment rate of the population aged 20 to 64 in the European Union (EU) stood at 71.1%, up compared with both 2015 (70.1%) and its previous peak recorded in 2008 (70.3%). The Europe 2020 strategy target is to reach a total employment rate for people aged 20 to 64 of at least 75% in the EU by 2020. This objective has been translated into national targets in order to reflect the situation and possibilities of each Member State to contribute to the common goal. Full text available here