(Reuters) - Euro zone consumer confidence rose by 3.2 points in May from the April number, figures released on Wednesday showed.

The European Commission said a flash estimate showed euro zone consumer morale improved to -18.8 this month from -22.0 in April.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected a fall to -24.0.

In the European Union as a whole, consumer sentiment rose by 2.5 points to -19.5.