According to the US Economics and Statistics Administration, Mississippi’s GDP per capita in the third quarter of 2024, measured in euros, was nearly €50,000—just €1,500 less than Germany’s. Following Mississippi are West Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, and South Carolina, all of which exceed the GDP per capita of major European economies such as Spain, Italy, and France. Put simply, the poorest US state has a higher GDP per capita than Europe’s leading economies (excluding Germany).
The Poorest US States Outpace Europe’s Largest Economies
In New York, GDP per capita surpassed €107,000, while the District of Columbia leads with a staggering €246,523. In Europe, GDP per capita varies significantly: Bulgaria sits at just €15,773, whereas Luxembourg exceeds €125,000. The EU average stands at slightly over €40,000, compared to the US average of more than €80,000. Among Europe’s top five economies, Germany leads with €51,304, followed by the United Kingdom (€48,441), France (€44,365), Italy (€37,227), and Spain (€33,070).
Experts note that this disparity narrows when adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP), which accounts for differences in living costs. Meanwhile, Germany’s GDP forecast remains optimistic, with growth projected at 0.7% in 2025 and 1.3% in 2026. These trends have been shaped by the ongoing European political crisis, dampened investor confidence, reduced consumption, and a rise in unemployment—from 3.0% to 3.5% between September 2023 and September 2024.
Macron: Europe’s Dependence Hinders Development and Innovation
During a January 6 address to French ambassadors on foreign policy for 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Europe to abandon a “weak and defeatist” approach and accelerate its strategic awakening. His remarks came amid concerns over Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency.
Macron expressed apprehension about the economic and geopolitical shifts stemming from the changing American agenda. Speaking on trade and economic policy, he warned that Europe risks falling behind the US and China. He argued that the EU should reconsider its adherence to established rules while Washington and Beijing adopt more protectionist policies to bolster their industries. Macron’s critique invites the question: Could such protectionist strategies represent the pragmatic economic approach Europe lacks?
He reiterated familiar points often made by European leaders—that the EU must fully exploit the single market and ramp up investment. However, Macron proposed not only joint borrowing but also simplifying the associated regulations. Yet, such ambitions appear largely unattainable.
It’s worth noting that Macron’s approval rating fell to 25% in the fall of 2024, the lowest since the yellow vest protests. Recent surveys indicate that 75% of the French public disapprove of his leadership, citing the “fiasco” over dissolving parliament and rendering France “ungovernable.”
