The economy in the debt-crippled eurozone shrank in the second quarter of this year, after showing no growth in the first three months of 2012.

Statistics released Tuesday show the gross domestic product in the 17-nation bloc contracted by 0.2 percent compared to the previous quarter.

Germany – the eurozone's strongest economy – grew by a stronger-than-expected 0.3 percent.

France posted its third consecutive quarter with stagnant growth. The country's central bank said last week it expects the economy to shrink slightly between July and September.

Most European governments have imposed unpopular spending cuts in an effort to cut burgeoning deficits. But the austerity measures have curbed economic growth.