BRUSSELS, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Consumer confidence in both the European Union (EU) and the euro zone improved in January, a survey by the European Commission showed on Thursday.

Official figures showed consumer confidence in the EU rose to minus 13.3 from minus 14.3 in December. In the 16-nation euro zone, it increased to minus 15.8 from minus 16.1 a month earlier.

Consumer confidence is a key indicator for the development of consumption, a major economic driver. Its improvement signaled that European consumers tend to spend more.

Analysts have been concerned that rising unemployment in Europe may dampen consumption.