Is Europe still worth doing business with ?

Europe is the most important economic

market in the World: the European Union Gross Domestic
Product amounts nearly 19.000 million dollars. The EU single market is associated
with countries like Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, the countries of the Balkans and
of Eastern Europe. It means that a company based in Europe has access to a huge
market and has opportunities to sell mass products as well as niche products to a
number of 600 million consumers. Moreover the EU is not a fortress and has
a number of free trade agreements with big economies like South Africa, Chile,
Columbia, Egypt, Israel, Mexico, South Korea, and soon Canada and Japan. It means
that the goods produced in Europe can reach these markets. Of course Brexit creates
a factor of uncertainty,
but one thing is sure: a strong economic relationship will need to be maintained
between the UK and the rest of the continent. Inside the EU, the Eurozone has a
single currency, it is made of 19 countries and is more populated than the United
States. It means that investors can exchange goods and services inside the Eurozone
without currency costs and with minimal administrative formalities. Taxes and labor
costs are not harmonized in the EU: some countries like Ireland and Eastern and
Central European countries are more competitive in this regard, but in « older »
member States like France and Germany, a higher level
of taxes also means a good educational system, a good administration, good public
services, high quality means of transportation, a good social protection. Europe is
presently overcoming the consequences of the economic and financial turmoil of
2008-2009 and of the following crisis of the Eurozone. The economic growth is
accelerating: in Spain for example it reached 3 % in 2016. Unemployment is
decreasing. Public finances are improving, with a sustained reduction of public
deficits and public debt compared to GDP. For sure these are signs of a new start
for the European economy. In Western Europe transports are very efficient. From
Paris, you can reach Brussels by train in 1h20mn time, London and Cologne in 3
hours time, and you are only two hours far from
Madrid, Rome and Berlin by plane. Eastern Europe is also catching up with Western
Europe. The structural funds of the EU budget are
boosting investments and growth there. New means of transportation are developing.
The quality of life in Europe is an invaluable asset for expatriates. Most cities
in Europe are among the most beautiful cities in the world and are at the same time
cities which are business friendly. Brussels is the seat of the European
institutions. Paris and London in the West rank among the biggest metropoles of the
continent, facing Moscow and Istanbul in the East. Frankfurt is a major financial
center, seat
of the European Central Bank. Berlin is the exciting German capital, a city
with a fascinating History, but also a city with a hectic nightlife and where
plenty of start-ups use to grow. In all these cities you will enjoy architecture,
culture, exhibitions, theatre, concerts, cinema, restaurants. In southern Europe
you will enjoy furthermore
the pleasant and sunny Mediterranean climate and you will be able to develop links
with
other Mediterranean countries. Come to Europe, you will enjoy the past and
look to the future for your business.