The Eurozone's composite purchasing managers' index (PMI) dropped to 49.6 in September from August's 51.0, according to data released by S and P Global and Hamburg Commercial Bank on Thursday.
The HCOB's composite PMI for the bloc, compiled by S and P Global, is seen as a gauge of overall economic health in the Euro area.
Click to Gallery
Eurozone's composite PMI drops to 49.6 in Sept: data
Eurozone's composite PMI drops to 49.6 in Sept: data
Eurozone's composite PMI drops to 49.6 in Sept: data
Eurozone's composite PMI drops to 49.6 in Sept: data
A reading above 50 indicates an overall expansion compared to the previous month, and below 50 an overall contraction.
Europe's economic recovery is facing headwinds, noted European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde at a hearing on Monday.
The latest forecast from the ECB predicted that the Eurozone economy will grow by 0.8 percent in 2024 and rise to 1.3 percent in 2025.
Eurozone's composite PMI drops to 49.6 in Sept: data
Eurozone's composite PMI drops to 49.6 in Sept: data
Eurozone's composite PMI drops to 49.6 in Sept: data
Eurozone's composite PMI drops to 49.6 in Sept: data
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
