London: The 17-nation euro zone clocked an economic growth of just 0.2 per cent in the three months ended September as the debt contagion continued to worsen.
Most of the euro area economies, especially Greece, that share the common currency euro are grappling with debt turmoil that threatens to push the region into recession.
Eurostat, the official statistical agency of European Union, on Tuesday said that euro area recorded a GDP growth of 0.2 per cent in the September quarter, the same as the expansion rate seen in the previous three months.
"GDP increased by 0.2 per cent in the euro area and by 0.3 per cent in the 27-nation European Union during the third quarter of 2011, compared with the previous quarter," according to a Eurostat statement.
In September quarter, household spending in the euro zone rose 0.3 per cent while exports climbed 1.5 per cent.
The region's economic giants - Germany and France - saw relatively healthy September quarter expansion, reporting growth of 0.5 per cent and 0.4 per cent, respectively.
However, many other countries including Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal are battling hard to tame the debt crisis.
European leadership - led by Germany and France - are exploring ways to rejuvenate the region's economic health.
Meanwhile, S&P placed sovereign ratings of 15 euro zone nations, including AAA-rated Germany and France, under 'CreditWatch' implying the possibility of downgrade. The rating agency has also warned that the risks of euro area slipping into recession in 2012 have increased.
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