Europe’s Great Deindustrialization, in a Map That Splits the Continent in Two

Eurostat data from 2023 shows a sharp industrial divide in Europe: central and eastern regions remain manufacturing-heavy, while much of northern Europe, Ireland and southern Europe are less industrialized.

Germany is still Europe’s main industrial anchor, but its manufacturing base is under pressure from high energy costs, Chinese competition and job cuts.

The EU’s share of global manufacturing value added and factory employment has declined in recent years, signaling ongoing deindustrialization.

Because industry supports higher-productivity jobs, better wages and export strength, its erosion could increase external dependence and weaken Europe’s innovation and resilience.