I think this refers to the stronger safety nets present in the EU compared to the US. The US has social security and food stamps (which work) but the EU is deemed ‘better’ at this, probably because socialism only works best on a small scale.

Socialism don't works on a small scale :)

I think, European slow mostly because what I said in another ans - too much competition between governments, and they must made much noticeable differences, for which could spend more taxpayers money.