"Business investment growth also remains relatively weak despite very favorable conditions (including low financing costs and improving external demand), as heightened uncertainty is weighing on business investment," the report's section on the United Kingdom's outlook said.
The commission also forecasts weak private consumption growth in 2018 amid elevated inflation, which is projected at last year's level of 2.7 percent.
READ MORE: UK Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index Rises Amid Brexit
According to the report, the commission boosted real GDP growth forecasts of both the eurozone and the European Union in 2018 to 2.3 percent from 2.1 percent. The UK economy is expected to grow just 1.4 percent this year, while the GDP of the remaining 27 countries (EU27) is expected to expand by 2.5 percent.
Growth and inflation rates, risks assessment and forecast by country: for more information on our Winter #ECForecast
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) February 7, 2018
→ Read our press release https://t.co/GN8VmMGaI5
→ See our full report https://t.co/6x0FlMWBEi
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In December, the sides finished the first phase of negotiations. The sides are currently preparing for the second phase of the talks, which is dedicated to the transition period in EU-UK relations after Brexit, and their future long-term trade and security cooperation.
READ MORE: India Opens £500M Green Fund Investment to UK Post Brexit
