EU investment levels fall by 1.9 per cent as economic activity cools

The European Union recorded a 1.9 per cent decrease in gross fixed capital formation during 2024 compared with the previous year, according to figures released by Eurostat.

This figure serves as a vital component of gross domestic product, as it tracks the level of investment made into assets such as buildings, machinery, and research and development.

The downturn was felt most acutely in the agriculture, forestry and fishery sector, which saw the largest decline of 7.6 per cent.