[moi2388]

I suppose the truth/ideal situation would be somewhere in the middle.

But the inability to capitalise on the tech sector, difficult regulations as barrier to entry, and a lot of changing rules regarding innovation, making things “green” and environmental and consumer safety does give a high burden to industry when competing with entities like China and the USA which do not have these restrictions.

I think a long-term plan regarding regulations which are clear upfront and don’t constantly change, as well as massive tax benefits to new corporations could provide an economical boost.

Having said that, I am not an economist, so I’d love someone with more knowledge to give their 2 cents. (Tax free, of course)

[izacus]

My two cents are that EU needs to follow USA with aggressive protectionism to offset the regulation.

[AlchemistCamp]

Follow? The EU has been more more protectionist for decades in everything from agriculture to cars.

If you look at the WTO’s published data, the mean tariffs in the EU are 5.0% while even now, the US is at just 3.2%.

https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/statis_e/tariff_profiles_l...

[2OEH8eoCRo0]

It's a shame that the EU is painted as a failure unless they have low taxes and industrious go-getters trashing their system.

Their awesomeness doesn't show on a balance sheet so it might as well not exist.

[throwaway48540]

I live in EU. What awesomeness? There are places with better social and health services while having less taxes and regulations. The regulations are making actual day to day life hard for everyone, directly as well as indirectly. EU is surviving, but I definitely wouldn't - and don't know anyone who would - say it's thriving. Most of my friends who work in software and other hitech are planning their move to US.

[2OEH8eoCRo0]

Life expectancy? Happiness?

https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2016/02/25/happines...

[throwaway48540]

Try to talk to people instead of relying on some abstract numbers.

"Yeah I'm so happy I have a job paying 500 USD per month, and I am so happy my 1.5-room flat rent is just 350" is a very common thing to hear where I live. The tax rate is 35% btw.

Also, try to find newer statistics at least. 2016 was around the local maxima, everything went to shit - very noticeably - during and after covid.

[surgical_fire]

I do. Most people I talk to are doing fine. Nothing close to what you described.

[moi2388]

In the Netherlands alone, a country with 18 million people, more than 1 million people need food stamps to survive.

I do not consider that “fine” at all.

[throwaway48540]

Define "doing fine", please. These people think they are doing fine. If you think this is not usual, why is 15% of my state population in irrecoverable debt?

[7bit]

> Try to talk to people instead of relying on some abstract numbers.

Because anecdotal evidence is better than empirically researched data? LOL

[throwaway48540]

Empirically researched data would be better - if people went and read the study in detail and saw that the questions asked don't lead to the conclusion that they claim, such as this case. They read a headline or check a sheet of numbers and think they understand the world.

Since people are apparently unable to do that, talking to people is the next best thing.

[7bit]

Oh boi....