Amidst structural fiscal deficits and global trade tensions, Europe's growth projections are expected to remain subdued.
Economists from around the world, including those associated with the World Economic Forum, have expressed concerns over the state of the global economy, with a focus on Europe's ongoing challenges.
According to a recent report, 56% of chief economists expect the global economy to weaken further within the year.
A significant regional divergence is anticipated, with the United States and South Asia, particularly India, projected to experience robust growth by 2025.
In contrast, Europe's economic outlook remains less optimistic, as 74% of surveyed economists foresee weak or very weak growth for the region.
This marks the third consecutive year that Europe ranks as the 'weakest region' in economic forecasts.
The report highlights Spain's growth rate, which stood at 3.4% last year, far outperforming France's 1.2%, Italy's 0.4%, and Germany's recession.
China, another global economic powerhouse, is also expected to continue facing headwinds due to low demand and productivity challenges.
Over 50 leading economists from major institutions participated in the survey, which was released ahead of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos.
Aengus Collins, Director of Economic Growth and Transformation at the World Economic Forum, stated that the findings call attention to the significant global economic tensions.
While global inflation is anticipated to decrease, reaching an average of 4.3% in 2025 according to the IMF, vigilance is still advised as both advanced and emerging economies grapple with continuing high inflation levels.
The economic policies of the recently elected U.S. President,
Donald Trump, have sparked discussions about their potential impact on global growth.
Trump's trade policies, particularly the imposition of tariffs, are expected to have a notable impact on international trade dynamics.
The IMF warns of potential inflationary pressures resulting from U.S. trade policy changes, including increased tariffs and fiscal policy shifts.
These shifting economic conditions have sparked reactions in Europe, where the newly formed French government under François Bayrou is grappling with a substantial €53B budget deficit.
Paris plans to address this with €32B in spending cuts and €21B in tax hikes, intending to reduce public agency budgets by 5%.
Meanwhile, Italy's government has issued a call to prioritize national interests among its financial giants, as geopolitical tensions continue to evolve.
The potential implications of U.S. tariff increases are concerning for European economies, given their export-oriented nature.
Former European trade officials anticipate strategic responses from the EU to mitigate adverse impacts on industries such as automotive and energy.
As global economic leaders prepare for the uncertainties ahead, collaborative efforts and strategic adjustments may be necessary to navigate these challenges.
The upcoming economic discussions at the World Economic Forum could provide insights into possible avenues for international cooperation and policy responses.