The euro zone economy eked out 0.2% growth in the third quarter, just beating expectations, according to flash data from Eurostat on Thursday.

Economists polled by Reuters had anticipated the bloc's economy to expand by 0.1% between July and September.

The euro was up 0.16% against the dollar, at $1.1618, following the data.

Growth in the single currency area was boosted by Spain and France, with the former reporting a 0.6% expansion in the third quarter and the latter registering 0.5% growth (significantly higher than analysts' expectations for 0.2% growth) despite a backdrop of political instability.

Germany and Italy were drags on the growth rate, however, as both countries' economies stalled.

It comes after the euro zone economy recorded 0.1% growth in the second quarte

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