The Europe we knew is gone, thanks to political inaction and useful idiots

The 2026 Notting Hill Carnival in London, with its vibrant celebration, may mirror the Europe many long for, but economic reality suggests a different path.

## the mirage of the party

The images of the **Notting Hill** carnival in **London**, projected for **2026**, bring to mind a Europe of old, one that our parents and grandparents built with effort and vision. It is easy to get carried away by nostalgia, by the feeling of an era where things seemed more stable, more predictable. But that Europe, the one of continuous prosperity and assured growth, is no longer the one before us.

## the cracks beneath the confetti

The perception that this Europe has faded is not unfounded. Economic and political factors have eroded the foundations of what we knew. Persistent inflation, for example, has eroded citizens' purchasing power. In the **eurozone**, year-on-year inflation stood at **2.4%** in **April 2024**, a figure that, although lower than in previous months, remains a burden on household finances. Public debt in some European Union countries also shows worrying figures, exceeding **100% of GDP** in nations such as **Italy**.

## the price of inaction

The passivity and connivance of politicians, coupled with an sometimes complacent citizenry, have contributed to this drift. The decisions taken, or not taken, in recent decades have shaped the current landscape. The lack of deep structural reforms and dependence on economic models that no longer sustain themselves have left Europe in a vulnerable position. The future demands a serious rethink of economic policies and greater responsibility from all actors.