Declines of Quality of Life in all EU Member States, Alarming Levels in Some, Survey Says

Declines of Quality of Life in all EU Member States, Alarming Levels in Some, Survey Says PR Newswire DUBLIN, November 28, 2012 DUBLIN, November 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Declines of over 20% in levels of optimism and happiness are reported in some countries across the EU and over a third of people indicate a deterioration in their financial situation over the past five years. These results, from Eurofound's third European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) launched on 29 November 2012, largely reflect - with some interesting exceptions - the economic reality, with highest optimism levels reported in Denmark, Sweden and lowest levels in Greece, Italy, and Portugal. The survey results paint a comprehensive picture of life experienced by Europe's citizens over the last five years of the economic crisis. Since the last survey in 2007, more people who had good income and were in good quality housing are now struggling with unemployment, debts, housing insecurity and access to services. The survey also highlights that it is harder for many people to make ends meet: 7% report 'great difficulty' making ends meet, with large differences between Member States, ranging from 22% in Greece to 1% in Finland. When asked to whom they would turn to urgently borrow money, most Europeans (70%) would ask a member of their family or a relative for a loan. Another 12% would ask a friend, neighbour or someone else, while 8% would turn to a service provider or institution.