The European Central Bank (ECB) published the results of its Survey of Professional Forecasters for the third quarter of 2026. The survey indicates that inflation expectations for the euro area stand at 2.4% for 2026, before declining to 2.1% in 2027 and 2.0% in 2028.
Professional forecasters expect economic growth to remain modest, with real GDP growth projected at 1.2% for 2026, rising to 1.4% in 2027 and 1.5% in 2028. These figures reflect a gradual recovery amid persistent uncertainties.
The survey also provides insights into the labour market, with the unemployment rate expected to average 6.5% in 2026, easing to 6.3% by 2028. Longer-term inflation expectations remain anchored at the ECB's 2% target.
The ECB conducts the Survey of Professional Forecasters quarterly to gather expert views on inflation, GDP growth, and unemployment, which inform its monetary policy deliberations.
Source: European Central Bank
