France and Germany return to growth

An unexpected rebound in French and German growth helped push the eurozone to the brink of economic recovery in the second quarter of 2009, delivering a further signal that the worst of the global crisis may be coming to an end in Europe.

EurActiv, 18.8.09: Franco-German recovery stands alone as EU recession drags on http://www.euractiv.com/euro-finance/franco-german-recovery-stands-eu-news-222321

Eurostat: News Release No.117, 2009: Euro area GDP down by 0.1% and EU27 GDP down by 0.3% http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-press-releases/-/2-13082009-AP

BBC News, 13.8.09: France and Germany exit recession http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8198766.stm

Deutsche Welle, 13.8.09: Euro-zone economy continues to shrink http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4562379,00.html

France24, 13.8.09: France and Germany pull out of recession http://www.france24.com/en/20090813-surprise-growth-french-economy-second-quarter-christine-lagarde-gdp

Spiegel Online International, 13.8.09: Economic Freefall Ends in Germany and France http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,642203,00.html

Spiegel Online International, 14.8.09: Amazing German Machines May Lead Europe Out of Recession http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,642404,00.html

EurActiv, 25.8.09: Merkel's re-election bid stumbles on Opel rescue http://www.euractiv.com/elections/merkels-election-bid-stumbles-op-news-222449

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