I think you underestimate European taxes as an employer. In general it costs 2x to employ people in my experience. Taxes and social security contributions are massive
No I don't, I'm employed in Europe in a leadership role and thus talk with the CEO about salaries and general money flow, and I'm also able to read my pay slip, which is quite detailed and also lists all "Lohnnebenkosten" (side/extra costs for employer on top of my brutto money), iow. what the employer really pays.