A recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) study reveals that Europe is falling behind the United States economically, primarily due to slower productivity growth. The report indicates that the EU’s GDP per capita stands at only 72% of the US level, with 70% of this gap attributed to lower productivity. It highlights trade barriers within the EU and the absence of a unified capital market as key factors hindering growth. The study also notes a lack of venture capital for European tech firms, compounded by higher mobility hurdles for workers migrating between EU member states.