The euro area economy expanded by 0.2 percent quarter on quarter in the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, according to a preliminary flash estimate released on Thursday by Eurostat.
The European Union (EU) as a whole grew by 0.3 percent over the same period. Meanwhile, on an annual basis, gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 1.3 percent in the euro area and by 1.5 percent in the EU.
Among the countries reporting Q3 data, Sweden posted the strongest quarterly increase with 1.1 percent, followed by Portugal with 0.8 percent. Output declined in Lithuania by 0.2 percent, and edged down by 0.1 percent in Ireland and Finland.
Within the larger euro area economies, Germany and Italy recorded zero growth from the second to the third quarter of 2025. France expanded by 0.5 percent and Spain by 0.6 percent. The Netherlands also outperformed with growth of 0.4 percent.
Eurozone GDP grows 0.2 pct in Q3, EU up 0.3 pct: Eurostat
Eurozone GDP grows 0.2 pct in Q3, EU up 0.3 pct: Eurostat
Dozens of protesters in Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture rallied in front of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force's Camp Fuji on Tuesday to condemn the government's deployment of new missiles at the base.
Japan's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that a Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile (HVGP) for island defense had been deployed at Camp Fuji, and Camp Kengun in Kumamoto Prefecture had been equipped with a ground-launched version of the upgraded Type 12 land-to-ship guided missile.
This marks the first time that long-range missiles with counterstrike capabilities have been brought into service in Japan and marks a significant shift from the country's long-standing exclusively defense-oriented policy under its war-renouncing Constitution.
Protesters have expressed concern that the deployment could turn the area into a potential military target and have repeatedly called on the defense ministry to hold public briefings, which have yet to take place.
"As local residents, we cannot remain silent. We must speak out to reassure our residents and ensure their safety. This time, they are deploying a Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile, but this will continue. After Camp Kengun and Camp Fuji, they will deploy more throughout the country. We cannot ignore this. We must voice our opposition," said Hiroyuki Takahata, a protester.
"As mentioned in the latest appeal, the government disregards the Constitution in this missile deployment. It should focus on its primary duty of protecting people's lives and well-being," said another protester.
The local civic group Stop Missiles at Fuji Association has also submitted a petition to the Japanese military, demanding that the Japanese government stop deploying missiles at Camp Fuji and re-examine its security policies.
"Missiles have been transported to Kumamoto and also deployed here, without any explanation. This is tantamount to deceiving us. We are extremely angry," said Hiromi Yamazaki, a representative of the organization.
"Since Sanae Takaichi took office, we have seen that Japan is heading toward a situation where it could start a war, so we must speak out. We don't want the younger generation to bear that kind of future. This is our wish," said Michiko Takahata, another protester.
Japanese rally against government's missile deployment
