29% of EU Citizens Expect Living Standards to Fall as Price Fears Hit 47%
Updated
Updated · Euronews · Jul 1
29% of EU Citizens Expect Living Standards to Fall as Price Fears Hit 47%
3 articles · Updated · Euronews · Jul 1
Summary
A Eurobarometer survey of more than 26,000 people found 29% of EU citizens expect their personal standard of living to worsen over the next five years, versus 18% who expect improvement.
Rising prices and the cost of living drove that gloom, ranking as the top issue for 47% of respondents—up 6 points from the previous survey and ahead of jobs and defence.
Age and geography sharpened the divide: 34% of people aged 55 and over expect decline, compared with 17% of younger respondents; France led national pessimism at 44%, while Hungary was lowest at 8% and Poland at 9%.
The survey also showed 27% said their quality of life had already deteriorated over the past 12 months, and officials said economic strain may be feeding weaker views of the EU in countries such as France and Austria.
As pessimism divides Europe along generational lines, is the core promise of shared EU prosperity now beginning to fracture?
With billions spent on aid, why is Europe's cost-of-living crisis still fueling widespread political dissent across the continent?
Can the EU's green transition break the cycle of energy shocks that repeatedly threaten its economic and political stability?
Rising Economic Anxiety and Housing Costs in the EU: 2024–2026 Data, Causes, and Policy Responses
Overview
Economic anxiety is deepening across the European Union, as recent data from 2024–2025 shows that households are struggling with the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and ongoing financial precarity. Many people face high prices and systemic inequalities, with housing costs often exceeding 40% of disposable income for some families. Despite these challenges, there is a growing willingness—especially among younger generations—to pay more for climate-friendly products. However, these pressures are fueling broader social concerns, including increased crime rates and persistent gender inequality, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated policy responses to restore stability and fairness.