Rallying economic situation

Europe's economy is gathering speed at last. According to estimates from the EU Commission, economic growth in the 25 countries of the EU will accelerate from 1.6 per cent last year to 2.3 per cent in the current year. The new members of the EU are setting a fast pace as they surge ahead with growth rates of up to 8.9 per cent. Among the old members, Ireland once again boasts the top rate of nearly five per cent economic growth. According to this forecast, Germany can prepare itself for growth of 1.7 per cent – the same as Malta, and only undercut by Italy and Portugal.