We have noticed here at Decision that we have been writing a lot of articles about the United States this month. Part of that has to do with all the big events occurring stateside recently; part of it has to do with the lack thereof across the Atlantic.
January in Europe feels remarkably quiet. It’s not just the slower business activity—it’s a general absence of headline-grabbing events. Politically, there are few elections to draw attention during this period. The last European Parliament elections were in 2024, and most national elections tend to avoid the post-holiday lull. In comparison, the U.S. is about witness the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term.
Economically, January in Europe reflects the region’s slower start to the year. Many businesses are still in recovery mode from the holiday season, and industrial production tends to dip during this month. According to Eurostat, industrial production in the eurozone typically falls by an average of 0.5% in January compared to December. This contrasts with the U.S., where January often marks the beginning of fiscal initiatives and a wave of quarterly earnings reports that dominate business headlines.
Sporting events also fail to excite in Europe this month. While the U.S. is gearing up for the Super Bowl, Europe’s major football leagues are in mid-season, offering little of the high stakes seen during playoffs or finals. Other major European sporting events, like the Champions League knockout stages or the Six Nations rugby tournament, don’t kick off until February or later. The result? A dearth of marquee events to energize the public.
Even culturally, Europe slows down in January. Many cities are still recovering from Christmas markets and New Year’s celebrations. Tourism numbers drop significantly in popular destinations like Paris and Rome, with data from Statista showing a 20-30% decline in arrivals compared to summer months. This seasonal dip, coupled with gray winter weather, leaves many iconic European hotspots feeling subdued.
It’s not all bad news, of course. The slower pace of January offers Europeans a chance to reset, with some businesses and governments using this quiet period to strategize for the year ahead. However, from a news and excitement perspective, Europe undeniably takes a back seat this month.
So, while the U.S. commands global attention with its events and activity, January in Europe seems like a time for hibernation—if not outright boredom. Perhaps that’s why, here at Decision, we’ve found ourselves looking westward for inspiration.