Investors are spooked, consumers are afraid, and policymakers are haunted by the spectre of a US military withdrawal and potential conflict with Russia.
The EU's growth is slow, demand is weak, and foreign investment is at a nine-year low. Businesses face high energy prices, US tariffs, and fierce Chinese competition, while citizens are plagued by stagnant wages and geopolitical uncertainty.
Nothing is as spine-chillingly terrifying – and terrified – as the European economy itself.
Europe's terror has stirred its politicians into action.
Author's summary: Europe's economy is slow and terrifying.