Unemployment in Italy to climb higher than forecast, says EC
12.6% in 2014 instead of 12.4, above eurozone average
25 February, 14:14
In November the EC had forecast joblessness over the next two years at 12.4% and 12.1%, respectively. A statement faulted bad labor-market conditions and weak consumer demand.
Unemployment is set to remain high throughout the eurozone and the European Union, with only a "modest" reduction, the EC said.
In the eurozone, joblessness is set to drop from 12.1% in 2013 to 12.0% in 2014 and 11.7% in 2015. Across the entire EU, joblessness is set to drop from 10.9% in 2013 to 10.7% in 2014 and 10.4% in 2015.