In this article, we take a look at the 10 most powerful countries in Europe. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the European power dynamics, go directly to the 25 Most Powerful Countries in Europe.
10. Sweden
Military Ranking: 12
Economic Ranking: 11
Political-Influence Ranking: 9
Sweden is another Scandinavian country to make it to the list of most powerful European countries, and for good reason. It has a GDP of $636 billion as of 2021, despite a population size of only 10 million.
It is home to some of the biggest corporations in the world in diverse sectors, including the technology company Ericsson, the renowned multinational clothing brand H&M, and the globally popular furniture company Ikea.
Sweden also has a strong military, which operates 367 naval vessels, including seven corvettes and five submarines, 205 aircraft, including 71 fighters, 121 tanks and 48 artillery guns.
9. Switzerland
Military Ranking: 15
Economic Ranking: 9
Political-Influence Ranking: 6
Switzerland is one of the most economically and diplomatically powerful countries in Europe. Its political influence stems from its historic neutrality in geopolitics, allowing the country to mediate in global affairs.
8. Netherlands
Military Ranking: 13
Economic Ranking: 7
Political-Influence Ranking: 8
The Netherlands is the seventh biggest economy in Europe, with a GDP of $1 trillion as of 2021. It is also one of the most capable countries in Europe with regard to military power. Apart from conventional military-capability, it is the top fifth country in the world in cyberwarfare capabilities on the National Cyber Power Index of 2020.
7. Turkey
Military Ranking: 5
Economic Ranking: 8
Political-Influence Ranking: 13
Turkey is one of the most powerful countries in Europe, in all three dimensions of power, including military, economic and political strength. With regard to economic strength, it is one of the leading producers of automotive parts and consumer electronics.
In recent years, the country has made significant progress in being self-sufficient in certain domains of the defense industry. In this respect, its Baykar-Bayraktar-TB2 drones have given Ukraine a significant advantage against Russia.
6. Spain
Military Ranking: 8
Economic Ranking: 6
Political-Influence Ranking: 7
Spain is located in Southern Europe. It is a powerful country in all three dimensions of power. It has a GDP of $1.4 trillion as of 2021. Spain joined the EU and NATO in 1986 and 1982, respectively.
5. Italy
Military Ranking: 4
Economic Ranking: 4
Political-Influence Ranking: 5
Italy is the fourth biggest economy in Europe. It is also ranked fourth among European countries in terms of military power by the Global Firepower Index of 2023. The Italian economy’s main sectors include manufacturing, agriculture and services. Italy’s political influence stems from its membership in the EU and G7.
4. Germany
Military Ranking: 9
Economic Ranking: 1
Political-Influence Ranking: 1
Germany is the richest country in Europe, with a GDP of $4.26 trillion. Germany’s power primarily comes from its economy and its position within the EU. The three main sectors of the German economy include agriculture, manufacturing and services, with the latter comprising 70% of its GDP.
The exports of its products and services account for 47% of the country’s GDP. Further, according to the National Science Foundation, Germany is one of the largest exporters of products and services in the Knowledge-and-Technology-Intensive (KTI) industries, with the country accounting for 11% in the overall global KTI output in 2018. In this regard, the German defense industry is one of the most highly developed in the world.
3. Russia
Military Ranking: 1
Economic Ranking: 5
Political-Influence Ranking: 4
Russia is one of the most powerful countries in Europe. Although its military is arguably considered the second most powerful in the world, and the most powerful in Europe, its military incompetence in Ukraine paints a different picture.
Regardless, it has the most powerful military arsenal in Europe, but the country lags behind in power-projection capabilities, owing to only one aircraft carrier, and fewer overseas bases than countries like France and the UK.
Military power aside, Russia is widely regarded as one of the most politically influential countries in the world, largely due to its veto power in the UN Security Council, membership in BRICS and close partnership with China.
2. France
Military Ranking: 3
Economic Ranking: 3
Political-Influence Ranking: 3
France is one of the top most powerful countries in Europe. It is a nuclear power, with roughly 300 active nuclear warheads. Further, it ranks sixth in the National Cyber Power Index of 2020, has 10 active military satellites and 10 overseas bases, as per the European Council on Foreign Relations.
The French economy is diversified, with a highly developed technological sector, driven by a highly capable and educated workforce. France is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, with veto power on global issues. Its influence in the EU is second only to Germany.
1. United Kingdom
Military Ranking: 2
Economic Ranking: 2
Political-Influence Ranking: 2
The nuclear-armed United Kingdom is the most powerful country in Europe, owing to its strong military, the economy that is second only to Germany and global political influence.
The UK has 25 military bases around the world, and its military boasts two aircraft carriers, with capability to project power far beyond its shores. Further, it is ranked third in cyberwarfare capabilities by the National Cyber Power Index of 2020.
It has the second biggest economy in Europe, after Germany, with a GDP of $3.1 trillion as of 2021. The United Kingdom is also one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council.
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