The EU executive said a flash estimate showed euro zone consumer morale fell by 0.4 points to -1.7, without providing further details about the fall.

A Reuters poll of 25 economists had forecast a rise to -1.1 points in July, following a 2.0 point increase to -1.3 in June.

In the European Union as a whole, consumer sentiment also fell by 0.1 points to -2.3 in July, the Commission said.