Economists are noting that the economies of Western European countries have been falling behind the United States at a greater rate over the past few years. Proposed reforms for improvement such as lengthening the 35 hour workweek, cutting one of 15 holidays and requiring unemployment recipients to try to find a job have not been well received. The European Union has taken steps to heighten competition that will eventually force reforms in Europe?s labor market.
See "'Old Europe' Unprepared for New Battles", Steven Pearlstein, The Washington Post, July 20, 2004