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Eurozone Retail Trade Remains Flat As Year‐Over‐Year Growth Accelerates

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 7, 2025

The latest preliminary figures released by Eurostat reveal that retail trade volume in the euro area experienced a marginal decline of 0.1% in September 2025, while remaining stable across the European Union. Despite this slight monthly dip, a year‐on‐year analysis tells a more positive story.

Steady Month‐to‐Month Performance

After a 0.1% decrease in August 2025, the euro area’s retail trade volume maintained its level in September. In the broader EU, the figures held steady, highlighting a temporary pause in the fluctuating retail environment. Sector-specific analysis indicates that food, drinks, and tobacco maintained stability in the euro area, while non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) fell by 0.2% and automotive fuel in specialized stores experienced a sharper 1.0% decline.

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Compelling Annual Trends

On an annual basis, the calendar‐adjusted retail sales index demonstrated notable growth. The euro area recorded a 1.0% increase compared with September 2024, while the broader EU outpaced this with a 1.3% rise. This uptick is driven by contrasting performances among member states, with Cyprus leading the charge with an 8.5% increase. Malta and Bulgaria followed with increases of 6.6% and 5.7% respectively.

Divergent Market Performances Across Nations

Conversely, several member states showed declines. Italy faced a 2.3% reduction, with Romania (2.1%), Belgium (0.8%), and Austria (0.1%) trailing behind. On a monthly basis, the largest decreases were observed in Lithuania (1.1%), while Latvia, Slovenia, and Italy also saw significant drops. In contrast, Luxembourg and Malta recorded the highest monthly gains at 1.7%, followed by Estonia (1.5%) and Slovakia (1.4%).

Sector-Specific Insights

When analyzing annual changes in more specific sectors within the euro area, the food, drinks, and tobacco segment increased by 1.0%, and non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) by 1.4%. Notably, automotive fuel in specialized stores decreased by 0.7%. Across the EU, food, drinks, and tobacco grew by 0.5%, non-food products by 1.9%, and automotive fuel in specialized outlets saw a modest gain of 0.5%.

These granular insights offer a clearer picture of the evolving dynamics within the retail sector across Europe, underscoring both resilience and regional variability amid an overall positive annual trend.

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Eurobank Approves €258.7M Dividend And €288M Share Buyback

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 29, 2026

Robust Dividend And Share Repurchase Initiatives

Eurobank S.A. shareholders approved a dividend distribution of €258.7 million at the annual general meeting held on April 28. The resolution was supported by approximately 77% of paid-up capital, representing more than 2.77 billion voting shares. The dividend will be paid from special reserves and remains subject to approval by the European Central Bank.

Strategic Share Buyback And Capital Optimization

In addition, shareholders approved a share buyback programme of up to €288 million over the next 12 months, pending regulatory clearance. The programme includes the cancellation of 28,097,019 own shares, which will reduce share capital by approximately €6.18 million. Following this adjustment, total share capital is set at €792,751,032.04, divided into around 3.6 billion ordinary voting shares with a nominal value of €0.22 each.

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Enhanced Executive And Employee Incentives

Alongside capital measures, the meeting addressed remuneration. Shareholders approved an allocation of €35.2 million from special reserves for employee compensation. A five-year programme was also introduced to distribute shares to eligible executives and employees of Eurobank and affiliated entities. In parallel, a revised variable remuneration framework allows selected senior executives to receive up to 200% of fixed pay.

Governance And Audit Oversight Reforms

Changes were also made at the board level. Alexandra Reich was appointed as an independent non-executive director, replacing Jawaid Mirza. Following this appointment, eight of the thirteen board members are classified as independent. Amendments to the articles of association introduce flexibility in board terms and allow partial renewals.

Strengthening Audit And Sustainability Commitments

On the audit side, KPMG Certified Auditors S.A. was appointed as the statutory auditor for 2026. The fee is set at €1.8 million for statutory audits of separate and consolidated financial statements, with an additional €0.3 million allocated for assurance of the sustainability statement. The meeting also approved the 2025 remuneration report and confirmed committee fee arrangements, alongside updates on audit committee activity and independent director reporting.