France is now poorer than the European average in terms of GDP per capita, according to Eurostat's latest 2024 estimates. This decoupling, which has accelerated over the past decade, fits into a sluggish 0.9% growth in 2025, far below the EU's 1.6%.
Long one of Europe's most prosperous countries, France's GDP per capita fell 2% below the average of the EU's 27 countries in 2024, according to Eurostat data. This drop below the average began in 2022, marking a decade of gradual slowdown.
Éric Dor, director of economic studies at Iéseg School of Management, explains: « This ranking is expressed in purchasing power parity, that is, taking into account price differences between countries. It thus allows comparison of the real standard of living of the population. »
On growth, the French economy advanced only 0.9% in 2025, per Insee's national accounts released on January 30, 2026. This follows 1.4% in 2023 and 1.2% in 2024, compared to 1.6% for the EU. Economy Minister Roland Lescure hailed on TF1 a « robust » growth, better than the initial 0.7% forecast. The Banque de France had predicted 0.6% in June 2025, amid a trade war started by Donald Trump, capped at 15% tariffs on European exports.
This productivity shortfall highlights a broader decoupling, where France lags behind neighbors like Cyprus or Belgium in living standards.
