EC awaits economic data from four countries

The European Commission said it is still waiting for four EU countries to provide it with the up-to-date economic figures that…

The European Commission said it is still waiting for four EU countries to provide it with the up-to-date economic figures that were due by September 1st.

A commission spokesman said the body has written to the member states reminding them of their obligation to provide the data. He did not name the countries, but, asked if the commission has fresh figures from Germany, said: "No".

Along with France, Italy and Portugal, Germany is struggling to meet the EU deadline of 2004 for bringing its budget to close to balance. Economists are predicting it could exceed the stability and growth pact's deficit limit of 3 per cent of GDP this year.

The data provided to the commission will form the basis of its autumn economic forecast, to be released on November 13th.

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