BERLIN, May 21. /TASS/. Members of the German Council of Economic Experts, which advises the federal government on economic development, have revised down their forecast for the country’s economic growth in 2025. The spring report, presented in Berlin, now anticipates zero GDP growth for the year.
In their fall forecast, the experts had expected Germany’s GDP to grow by 0.4% in 2025. However, they now note that the German economy remains in a distinct phase of weakness. In 2026, the economy is expected to recover slightly, with projected growth of 1%. Still, the members of the council believe it remains uncertain whether Germany can return to sustained economic success in the medium and long term.
Bureaucratic hurdles and lengthy approval procedures are stalling growth, the experts emphasized. Moreover, the unpredictable trade policy of US President Donald Trump is placing additional strain on Germany’s export-oriented economy. According to the spring forecast, accelerated structural changes will also affect sectors and regions of the country that have previously been economically robust. Additionally, the unemployment rate is projected to rise to 6.2% in 2025.
As for inflation, it is expected to decline slightly this year and next, averaging 2.1% in 2025 and 2% in 2026.