> Pointing to EU law/regilations is just platitudes people keep repeating online.

I disagree, for the reason mentioned below.

> Biggest barriers to business in the EU is risk averse Investors and Banking sector, lack of significant VC funding players, and Government spending strangled by Austerity policies.

Some of it is cultural I'm sure, but when your reward is capped it's logical to limit risk. Your list of issues are indicators of a risk-averse mindset.

Regarding the comment above: If most of the return from your risky venture is going to be taken from you by the government, why take the risk?

> The US spends a lot of money to make even more money.

Yep. It's like the stock market vs. bonds. The ride is bumpy but more lucrative over the long run.