Economic growth is projected to gain momentum in 2015 and 2016. Lower energy prices, improving financial conditions, slowing fiscal consolidation, strengthening external demand and a pro-competitive reform agenda should underpin an increase in consumption and export volumes. Stabilising energy prices and euro depreciation will raise the price level, although persistent and significant economic slack will continue to put downward pressure on inflation. However, weak business confidence is still weighing on investment, implying a delayed pick-up in hiring and only a marginal decline in unemployment.