Despite a still weak international backdrop, GDP grew at a solid rate of 1.7% in 2016 and in the first quarter of 2017, economic sentiment climbed to the highest levels since 2011. Unemployment is at its lowest point since May 2009. Over four and a half million more people are now employed than was the case three years ago.
Our measures have also reduced fragmentation among Member States: the 1/5  BIS central bankers' speeches  dispersion of both GDP growth and inflation rates is at the lowest level since the beginning of the monetary union.