AFP - Industrial production in France and Italy fell in December from the previous month following rises in November, new data showed on Wednesday, indicating the fragility of Europe's economic recovery.

Italy's industrial output fell by 0.7 percent over the month, while France's output inched down by 0.1 percent after a rise of 0.6 percent in November from October, the French and Italian statistics agencies said.

In November, Italy's industrial output had also risen by 0.4 percent.

Eurozone economies are in the spotlight because of investor fears over rising debt levels in Europe and the ability of some governments in the European single currency area to keep their public finances under control.

Sweden meanwhile reported that its industrial output had increased by 1.8 percent during December, with the electronics and automotive sectors rising but the industrial equipment, metals and pharmaceuticals falling.

Sweden is a member of the European Union but not of the eurozone.