Published on
17/06/2026 - 20:30 GMT+2
The European Union likes to see itself as an economic superpower — a market of 450 million consumers, home to some of the world's biggest companies and the largest trading bloc on the planet.
But in an increasingly competitive global economy, Europe is facing uncomfortable questions about whether it is keeping pace with rivals such as the United States and China.
Growth in the EU remains sluggish, entire industries are under pressure, and businesses complain about high energy costs, excessive regulation and a lack of investment.
