The “American Dream” – the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success through hard work and determination – has long been a cornerstone of American identity. But in an increasingly globalized world, this ideal has begun to take on new shapes and meanings, especially across the Atlantic. What happens when the pursuit of freedom, prosperity, and opportunity is filtered through European values, cultures, and systems?
In this blog, we explore how the essence of the American Dream is interpreted and pursued in different European countries. From the entrepreneurial spirit in Berlin’s tech scene to the emphasis on social mobility in Scandinavian welfare states, Europe offers alternative paths to personal and professional fulfillment – ones that often stand in contrast to the hustle-driven, individualistic model in the United States.
We’ll discuss how ideas of success differ, how lifestyle choices play a role, and why some Americans are relocating to Europe in search of their own version of the Dream. Is the American Dream still uniquely American, or has it evolved into something more universal? Let’s take a closer look at what this iconic ideal looks like on European soil – and what it says about the future of aspiration.
What the American Dream Looks Like in Europe
The American Dream has always been based on the idea that anyone – no matter where they start from – can achieve success through ambition, hard work and a bit of luck. It’s about building a better life, owning a home, climbing the social ladder and finding personal freedom. For many, it also symbolizes entrepreneurship, self-made wealth and opportunity. But over time, the concept has begun to evolve and spread across borders. In Europe, where social structures and values are very different, people are starting to pursue dreams that resemble the American ideal – but with a distinctly European twist.
A Different Definition of Success
In the US, success is often measured in terms of material wealth, job titles or professional accomplishments. The dream is closely linked to economic mobility – often rising from rags to riches through grit and personal effort. In Europe, while people still value achievement, the definition of success often places more emphasis on quality of life, work-life balance and social engagement.
For example, in countries like the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden, many people see “success” as the freedom to enjoy life – whether that means working fewer hours, spending more time with family, or simply having job security and a comfortable home. Ambition is present, but it’s tempered by the cultural value placed on moderation and collective well-being.
Entrepreneurship, but with a safety net
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Europe, especially in major startup hubs like Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris and Stockholm. Young professionals and creative people across the continent are launching businesses, launching tech ventures and building brands – just like their counterparts in Silicon Valley or New York.
The main difference? Europe’s social safety nets make the risk of failure less devastating. Access to affordable healthcare, subsidized education and strong labor protections means Europeans can often take career risks without fear of financial ruin. In some ways, this actually empowers innovation and experimentation, leading to what some call the “European Dream” – success without sacrificing sustainability.
Migration in reverse: Americans seeking their dream in Europe
Interestingly, a large number of Americans are now moving to Europe in search of their dreams. For some, it’s about escaping the high cost of healthcare or student loans. For others, it’s about finding a slower pace of life, more affordable cities or a more community-oriented culture. Countries like Portugal, Spain and Germany have seen a surge in the number of American expats looking to start anew.
Remote work has made this even more feasible. Americans working for US companies are now able to live in cities like Lisbon or Prague while also earning a US salary – allowing them to enjoy a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost. In this case, the dream becomes a mix: US financial opportunity and European lifestyle.
The role of government and social trust
A key difference between the traditional American dream and its European variants lies in the role of government and collective trust. The American dream is very individualistic, based on the idea of self-reliance and personal responsibility. In contrast, many European nations embrace the idea that government plays a key role in enabling everyone to thrive.
Universal healthcare, free or low-cost university education, generous parental leave – these are not seen as “handouts,” but as essential supports for a fair society. As a result, the dream becomes accessible to more people. A young person in Norway or Germany may not fear being crushed by medical bills or student loans. Freedom from fear can be a powerful motivator – and, arguably, a more stable foundation for building a life.
A dream that is still evolving
So, what does the American dream look like in Europe? It’s still about freedom, opportunity and upward mobility – but those ideas are filtered through different lenses. Europeans value community over competition, security over risk and stability over speed. The dream is not necessarily about being the best, but about having enough: enough time, enough resources and enough mental peace to live a fulfilling life.
This doesn’t mean one version is better than another. But as the world becomes more connected and values change, the American Dream is no longer just American – it’s global, adaptable and deeply personal. In Europe, it’s finding a new form – a form that prioritises balance over burnout, purpose over profit and progress for all over the prosperity of a few.
Finally, the American Dream is not limited to geography—it’s an evolving idea that adapts to the values and realities of the people pursuing it. In Europe, the dream takes on a softer, more communal tone. It’s less about individual glory and more about achieving a life of meaning, balance, and dignity. Whether it’s a startup founder in Berlin, a remote worker in Lisbon, or a family enjoying a six-week vacation in Copenhagen, the European version of the dream still reflects the same basic human desire: to live a life of purpose and possibility.
As Americans begin to consider the cost of their hustle culture, and Europeans increasingly embrace innovation and personal ambition, the lines between these visions of success are becoming blurred. The dream is no longer just about making it—it’s about making it work, in a way that aligns with one’s values, lifestyle, and sense of fulfillment.
So whether you’re chasing the dream in New York, Paris, or somewhere else, it’s worth asking: What does success really look like to you? Maybe the future of the American Dream isn’t American at all—maybe it’s something we’re all redefining together.