Eurofound Survey: Decline in life satisfaction and optimism across the EU

A new Eurofound survey has revealed a decline in life satisfaction and optimism across the European Union, with respondents in 2024 reporting lower expectations for the future compared to previous years. Findings from the Living and Working in the EU e-survey indicate a steady decline in optimism across all age groups since 2020, with the most significant drop among respondents aged 35–49 and 50–64. Younger participants, while the most optimistic, also reported a decline, with only 47% expressing confidence about the future—four percentage points lower than in 2023. The 50–64 age group recorded the lowest level of optimism at 24%.

The Quality of Life in the EU 2024 factsheet presents initial findings from the Eurofound survey, conducted online in spring 2024. The study captures Europeans’ current outlook and concerns in a post-pandemic environment, focusing on key challenges such as the rising cost of living, healthcare access, mental health, work-life balance, and telework opportunities.

The decline in optimism was found to be greater among women than men and was more pronounced in low-income households, widening the disparity in outlook between the wealthiest and poorest respondents. The optimism gap has expanded from 18 percentage points in 2020 to 29 points in 2024.

At the national level, the lowest levels of optimism were recorded in Greece and Italy, where only 20% of respondents expressed a positive outlook. In contrast, Ireland (49%) and Denmark (48%) had the highest levels of reported optimism.

Alongside declining optimism, life satisfaction also fell between 2023 and 2024, returning to levels observed in spring 2021. After rising between 2021 and 2023, satisfaction levels declined, particularly among respondents aged 35–49 and 50–64. In contrast, those aged 65 and older reported the highest life satisfaction scores, continuing an upward trend in 2024.

Commenting on the findings, Daphne Ahrendt, Eurofound Senior Research Manager, highlighted the widespread sense of uncertainty across Europe. “Life satisfaction and optimism are influenced by various factors, including income, employment, education, and disability status. However, these results, combined with an overall decline in mental well-being, particularly among younger groups, indicate a broader sense of malaise and a lack of hope for the future across the region.”