Economy: The European Commission has revised its figures downward for the gross domestic product (GDP).

The Commission has once again lowered its growth forecasts for the eurozone in 2019 and 2020, amid uncertainties over global trade and the possibility of a no-deal Brexit.

These disappointing forecasts could further weaken this continent, shaken by the rise of populism on the eve of the European elections.

In the eurozone, economists from the Brussels-based institution are predicting growth of 1.3% in 2019 and 1.6% in 2020, compared to 1.9% and 1.7% last autumn.

For the European Union (EU), projections have also been revised downward. For 2019 and 2020, Commission experts forecast 1.5% and 1.7% compared to 1.9% and 1.8% previously.

Decreased forecasts for the French economy

The European Commission has revised its growth forecasts downward for France’s GDP. Growth is expected to decrease from 1.5% in 2018 to 1.3% in 2019, compared to 1.7% and 1.6% last autumn.

Regarding unemployment, the rate according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) is expected to drop from 9.1% in 2018 to 8.8% in 2019 and 8.5% in 2020.