The 2019 data on actual individual consumption per capita in purchasing power standards (PPS) across Europe reveals significant disparities. Northern European countries, such as Norway and Denmark, lead with consumption levels well above the EU average, reflecting their high standards of living and robust economies. In contrast, Eastern European nations, including Bulgaria and Romania, show consumption levels more than 25% below the EU average, highlighting ongoing economic challenges and lower purchasing power. Interestingly, countries like Italy and Spain, despite being part of the EU's larger economies, fall slightly below the EU average, indicating economic pressures and disparities within the Eurozone. The data also underscores the economic divide between Western and Eastern Europe, with the latter still catching up in terms of consumer spending power. This map provides a visual representation of these economic differences, emphasizing the need for targeted economic policies to bridge the gap and promote balanced growth across the continent.
