Ranked: Europe’s Top Economies in 2026 by Projected GDP
Which countries will lead Europe’s economy in 2026? The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) latest World Economic Outlook projects a rebound after two years of slow growth, with the region’s total output expected to reach $31.4 trillion (€27.0 trillion).
IMF Economic Projections for Europe
The biggest economic gains are predicted in Western Europe. The data, sourced from the IMF’s World Economic Outlook database, ranks European countries by their projected nominal GDP in current U.S. dollars. The countries are grouped according to the UN Geoscheme regions.
Top European Economies by GDP
- Germany is forecasted to add nearly $400 billion to its economy between 2024 and 2026, reaching $5.3 trillion and accounting for about 17% of European GDP.
- France is projected at $4.2 trillion.
- Italy is expected to reach $3.6 trillion.
Together, these three countries "will generate over 40% of Europe’s total economic activity," highlighting the dominance of major markets in the region.
Regional Economic Divide
Europe’s economy can be broadly divided into two main zones: the Northern and Western half, where growth is strongest, and the Southern and Eastern half.
Author’s summary: Europe’s economy is set to regain momentum by 2026, with Germany, France, and Italy dominating over 40% of the region’s total GDP, emphasizing a regional split in growth.
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