A new Eurofound study analysed the quality of life within the EU.

The results of the latest “Living and Working in the EU” survey by Eurofound, the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, showed that the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine are still being felt by many Europeans today. Many respondents continue to struggle with persistent health problems, poor mental health, and limited social connections as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Confidence in healthcare systems has remained stable across all age groups in recent years, albeit at a slightly lower level than at the start of the pandemic. According to the survey, the price surge caused by the war in Ukraine in 2022 has exacerbated existing challenges such as climate change, demographic changes, and housing shortages in several countries. The cost of living is now cited as the main concern by the Europeans who were surveyed.

The deterioration in mental well-being continues

Significant changes in health and well-being have been seen throughout the EU during the last five years, with mental well-being reaching its lowest point in 2021. This particularly affected young people and those who had lost their jobs. Women, mainly young adults aged 18 to 24, consistently reported poorer mental health than men. Negative feelings such as anxiety and depression also increased in most age groups between 2023 and 2024. The over-65s were an exception here.

Life satisfaction

The pandemic has had a significant impact on respondents' life satisfaction. After a brief recovery, it has fallen back to the same low level as in 2021. Socio-demographic factors such as education, employment, income, and disability status are decisive factors for optimism and life satisfaction, whereas a higher income and higher employment increased the values, while disability and unemployment significantly reduced them.

Confidence in the healthcare system remains stable

Confidence in the EU and satisfaction with democracy have fallen slightly across Europe when compared to 2023. In contrast, confidence in healthcare systems has remained stable across all age groups in recent years, albeit at a slightly lower level than in 2020. The Over 65s are an exception. Values have risen continuously in this group since 2021 and are now higher than at the start of the pandemic.

Consequences of inflation

Following the significant price increases in 2022 and 2023, the EU inflation rate fell from 11.5 percent in October 2022 to 2.6 percent by April 2024. Despite this decline, inflation is still having a major impact on the living situations of those surveyed. For example, 30 percent report that they are struggling to make ends meet as a result of inflation. This is an increase of eight percentage points when compared to 2023. As many as 56 percent of households in the lower income bracket have difficulties. Germany is one of the four countries in which the fewest people reported these difficulties.