European economies grow in second quarter despite Iran war fallout: Spain leads, Austria stagnates

The economies of several European countries showed growth in the second quarter of 2026, despite global unrest and the ongoing Iran war.
The Dutch economy grew by 0.4% in the second quarter compared to the previous quarter, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Household consumption rose by 0.5%, and government consumption increased by 0.4%. The export of goods and services rose by 1.2%, although imports rose more strongly at 1.4%. The trade, hospitality, transport, and storage sector saw the highest increase in added value at 1.8%, while industry saw a significant increase at 1.5%. However, mining and energy companies had negative added value at -5.2% and -3.5%, respectively. "The Dutch economy is coming through this reasonably unscathed so far," said CBS chief economist Peter Hein van Mulligen.
Germany's economy grew by 0.2% in the second quarter, according to the Statistisches Bundesamt. This marks the third consecutive quarter of growth, with exports increasing. Industry orders, production, exports, building permits, and retail turnover all increased. Industry order books are the best filled since the start of the statistics in 2015, with the range of order coverage at a record level of 8.9 months. Billions are being invested in infrastructure and armaments. The Ifo-Institut reported that the business climate index rose for the third consecutive month in July. "The German economy is ready to gain momentum," said Ifo-Institut survey chief Klaus Wohlrabe.
Spain's economy grew by 0.7% in the second quarter, with household consumption and investment being the main drivers, according to the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE). Household consumption increased by 0.7% quarter-on-quarter and 3.2% year-on-year. Investment increased by 0.4% quarter-on-quarter and 5.1% year-on-year, with strong growth in intellectual property products (7.7% year-on-year) and construction (5.2% year-on-year). The country has seen 21 consecutive quarters of year-on-year growth. The Ministry of Economy reaffirmed that the growth accumulated for the first half of 2026 is 2.2%, which favors the fulfillment of the government's economic forecast of 2.6% for the entire year.
France's economy grew by 0.2% in the second quarter, with exports, particularly in the aeronautics sector, being the main driver, according to reports. The slight rebound is largely due to exports, with industry holding up, but households remaining cautious.
Italy's economy grew by 0.2% in the second quarter, with a year-on-year growth of 1%, according to Istat. The acquired variation for 2026, corrected for calendar effects, is 0.8%.
Estonia's economy grew by 2.1% year-on-year in the second quarter, according to Statistics Estonia.
Finland's economy grew by 0.9% in the second quarter compared to the previous quarter, according to Statistics Finland.
Hungary's economy grew by 1.7% year-on-year and 0.4% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, according to reports.
In contrast, Austria's economy stagnated in the second quarter due to increased oil prices from the Iran war, according to a quick estimate by WIFO. The rise in oil prices caused by the conflict has been cited as the primary reason for the stagnation.
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