By: Tamara Molino | CRP, GMS

February 14, 2019

Many companies want to know what 3 European countries rank highest for global expansion. Knowing where to focus their efforts helps a company develop actionable strategies. Several European countries are taking significant steps to encourage business investment. As a result, opportunities are increasing for significant and successful global expansion in Europe.

The top 3 European countries for global expansion are France, Germany, and the Netherlands. These countries all recognize the role of investment in creating job opportunities and adding to their social security programs.

France

France has taken an activist approach to promoting investment and global expansion. Several reasons to invest in France include grants and support mechanisms for innovative entrepreneurs, research tax credits, and high-level infrastructure. President Emmanuel Macron has been working to invigorate the economy in France. Elected on a centrist platform, Macron has pledged to:

  1. Reduce taxes for businesses and investors
  2. Ease the country’s rigid labor regulations
  3. Raise the minimum wage

Some protests and unrest arose in 2018 due to concerns over environmental tax policies. Although this led to declining consumer sentiment, economists are forecasting full-year Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 1.4% for 2019. Analysts have confidence that continuing investment as well as President Macron’s new fiscal measures will promote global expansion.

Germany

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will resign her position in 2021 after her fourth term in office. Although partly due to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) election losses, Chancellor Merkel remains in office for several more years to continue policies that propel Germany’s economy forward. Central to these policies are the German government’s focus on:

  1. Low unemployment
  2. Increasing wages
  3. Tax cuts for businesses and households
  4. Infrastructure and other investments in East Germany

While Germany does have low unemployment, there are regions such as East Germany where unemployment is a significant issue and business investment is welcome. Inequality in incomes and opportunities are challenges for the German government, and the nation is keen to promote global expansion and trade with a “Powerhouse Eastern Germany” message. Political uncertainty and exterior issues such as Brexit may affect the nation’s economy. Economists are forecasting full-year GDP growth of 1.4% for 2019.

The Netherlands

The Dutch government’s 2019 budget and plans significantly promote the economy while protecting public finances. The Third Rutte cabinet is a coalition government of four separate political parties. Prime Minister Mark Rutte presides over the cabinet, and is instrumental in formulating the coalition’s governing agreement with the appropriate name of “Confidence in the Future.” The Netherlands economic expansion overseen by the coalition is driven by several policies that promote:

  1. Low unemployment
  2. High level of consumer confidence driving household consumption
  3. Tax cuts and increased tax credits for households
  4. Tax cuts for businesses leading to increasing business investment
  5. Infrastructure investment spending measures by the government coalition
  6. Expanding exports

The coalition government recognizes risks including healthcare spending, Brexit, and geopolitical issues may impact the Netherlands economy. However, economists are forecasting full-year Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 1.9% for 2019. This bodes exceptionally well for companies pursuing global expansion.

What Should Employers Expect for Global Expansion?

Employers should expect that France, Germany, and the Netherlands will continue to be the countries of preference for global expansion. All three countries are actively pursuing business investment and taking action to increase the attractiveness of their respective economies. Companies seeking to increase their strategic business investments should examine these three countries for global expansion.

What Should Employers Seeking Global Expansion do?

Employers should examine France, Germany, and the Netherlands to understand how each of these countries offers their company the best solution for investment. All three countries have a number of helpful resources available for companies seeking global expansion. Companies looking for future growth opportunities should look at each of these countries as offering the greatest return on their business investment. Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) can provide expert assistance to employers looking to enhance their company’s global recruitment and relocation.

Conclusion

The Global Mobility Solutions (GMS) team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients determine how to proceed with their global expansion plans. Our team can help your company by using industry best practices to design your relocation program to enhance its business investment in France, Germany, or the Netherlands. This will increase your company’s ability to attract and retain new hires and relocating employees in these countries.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s global expansion plans, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Vice President, Global Services Tammy is responsible for GMS’ regional operations teams in North and Latin America, EMEA, and APAC. Tammy provides over 14 years of leadership experience in the areas of international assignment management, global network management, global consulting and business development. Her experience in global mobility includes new client implementations, policy and compliance development, global compensation and billing, vendor management, case management, and real estate home sale/purchase programs. Tammy travels extensively and studied abroad in Switzerland, Chile, Peru, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

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