While some Americans may jest about European lifestyles, labeling us as “Europoor,” it’s vital to look beyond the surface of such claims. This term, popularized by certain proud patriots online, suggests that our lower salaries, higher taxes, and reliance on public transport paint a bleak picture of life in Europe.
Media figures like GB News presenter Tom Harwood have echoed this sentiment, calling it “entirely accurate.” However, the reality is more nuanced. Recent economic data reveals that the post-pandemic GDP growth in the United States has outpaced the eurozone significantly, with figures standing at 15.6% versus 7.2%. The UK’s growth is even lower at 6.3%.
When we examine wage comparisons, the narrative shifts further. The OECD reports that, when adjusted for living costs, average salaries in the US reach $86,977, in stark contrast to the UK at $66,299, Germany at $76,286, and France at $60,483. A recent investigation by the Sunday Telegraph underscores the explosive growth of the US tech sector, especially in the wake of AI advancements, which has created a lucrative environment free from the stringent regulations found in Europe. Republican pollster Brent Buchanan encapsulated this sentiment, stating, “We don’t want to be like what Europe has become.”
Fonte/Origem: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/06/some-americans-call-us-europoor-seven-ways-we-are-exceedingly-rich