(Brussels) “After its 2017 peak, the EU economy’s deceleration is set to continue in 2019, to growth of 1.5%. This slowdown is set to be more pronounced than expected last autumn, especially in the euro area, due to global trade uncertainties and domestic factors in our largest economies”. Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici said this as he presented the Economic Forecast in Brussels. “Europe’s economic fundamentals remain solid and we continue to see good news particularly on the jobs front. Growth should rebound gradually in the second half of this year and in 2020”. Italy is lagging behind other EU countries, with an annual growth rate forecast at 0.2% for 2019, and 0.8% for 2020.