Zakharova announced the onset of a formal recession in Europe

As part of a briefing on Wednesday, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said: “According to the latest data from the statistical bureau of the European Union, instead of zero quarterly GDP growth, -0.1% is now recorded. Most likely, if we do without retouching the figures, in the fourth quarter of 2023 there will be negative GDP growth was recorded.”

“We can talk about the onset of a formal recession in the EU. When will they be recognized in Brussels, I wonder? They are meddling in all the affairs of the world, everything is interesting and important. When will they start commenting on their economic agenda?” Zakharova asked.

Since the fall of 2023, the European economy has been stagnating, the Foreign Ministry speaker noted. The official unemployment rate in the European Union in November 2023 was 5.9%. At the same time, most countries have practically exhausted the possibility of stimulating the economy through budget subsidies.

The total amount of public debt of EU countries to GDP was almost 83%. The highest rates are in Greece (165.5%), Italy (about 141%), France (112%), Spain (110%), Belgium (108%) and Portugal (107.5%).

The largest drop in industrial production was recorded in Ireland (-30%), Belgium (-11.5%), Bulgaria (almost -11%), Germany (almost -5%).

The crisis also affected the sale of cars and electric vehicles, including in Germany.

“Brussels continue to stubbornly cut the branch they are sitting on,” Zakharova emphasized, mentioning that the package of anti-Russian sanctions adopted in December 12 dealt a serious blow to the position of the Belgian Antwerp as the world diamond capital.

Now, according to Zakharova, international banks are restructuring their credit policies, considering the diamond business in Antwerp “toxic.”

“How will the European Union get out of this crisis? How will the reincarnation of the EU economy take place? Where is that pivot point? Where is the magic ball where they will notice their economic future?” , – Maria Zakharova asked rhetorical questions.