Description

Europe has managed major shocks, but growth is slowing, export gains are reversing due to tariffs, and bond markets reflect rising risks. Interest rate cuts and increased fiscal spending, including defense, have not spurred private demand. The productivity gap with the US remains wide, and structural reforms are lagging. National priorities and slow EU decision-making hinder deeper integration of capital, labor, and product markets. Without stronger growth and fiscal consolidation, average European debt could reach 130 percent of GDP by 2040, requiring significant fiscal adjustment. Near-term policies should maintain price stability, start fiscal consolidation, and keep trade open. Long-term growth depends on urgent structural reforms. Solutions lie firmly within Europe's grasp. An intensive debate to dismantle market fragmentation, simplify regulation, and boost investment is underway. Appropriate bundling, sequencing, and timing of reforms can garner broad support by spreading gains across society and nimbler decision-making in the European Union would help move faster from recognition to forceful action.

More publications in this series: Regional Economic Outlook