The European Commission has designated 14 countries, including Malta, France and the U.K., as urgently needing an in-depth economic review.

Malta and the Netherlands were the only newcomers to the process, part of a new system of economic surveillance prompted by the debt crisis.

The first review was in February.  The other countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, Slovenia, Finland and Sweden.

The commission said the  countries "face different challenges and potential risks.

"Although its list has lengthened, it said countries are making progress in cutting their deficits, spurring exports and in other areas of concern.Such efforts are needed for lasting economic growth but will continue to weigh on growth and employment in several countries in the short term, the commission said.

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