Netherlands real estate bubble bursts during downturn
15 August 2013 Last updated at 09:17 BST
Figures have confirmed that the countries that share the Euro currency finally emerged from recession in the second quarter of 2013, with growth of 0.3%.
However, despite the cautious optimism, the economic picture remains far from rosy and not just for those in the south of Europe.
The Netherlands is struggling with the bursting of a real estate bubble, on a scale only seen in the United States and Spain.
Nigel Cassidy reports.