"'The richest EU country—Ireland'
This bit alone condemns this article to the 'absolute crap' pile."
They are talking about per capita income I'm sure...and Ireland, mainly due to its friendly stance toward business, since the '80s has been a booming place.
The study is significant but the article is spun like a top.
They try and make the EU look good but can't.
Basically the riches EU is still among the poorest states. It reminds me of the days of the USSR when their population upon encountering americans would call them liars for saying they had TWO cars and their hould house and land with (grass just for show).
The citizens of the countries of the EU are intentionally kept blind.