German economic growth surged in the final months of 2014 - in the fourth quarter it grew by 0.7 percent - up from 0.1 percent in the previous quarter.

The Dutch economy also expanded by half a percent - beating market expectations.

France however, continues to lag - it was almost stagnant, recording growth of 0.1 percent - down from 0.3 between July and September.

German power

The Bundesbank says that the economy recovered from a "weak phase" that is experienced early in 2014 - growth for the year came to 1.6 percent.

The German spurt is being driven by strong domestic demand - real wages also increased by 1.6 percent.

Dutch Rising

The Netherlands' economy has remained strong - net exports grew, as did business investment and private consumption - but government consumption and investment did fall.

These results are positive news for Irish exporters selling in these vital euro zone markets.

Slowing France

The euro zone's second-largest economy capped off a difficult 2014 with minimal growth in the last quarter - annual growth was just 0.4 percent.

President Francois Hollande hopes that the continuation of the oil slump and the weakening of the euro will stimulate the economy - particularly for exporters.

Household consumption and investment contracted for the fourth consecutive quarter.