EC Survey: Bulgarians Are among Least Satisfied Europeans

The annual EC Social Climate Report shows that Bulgarians are among the most dissatisfied citizens of Europe. Photo by europa.eu

The European Commission's latest annual Social Climate Report shows that most Europeans are generally satisfied with their lives. However, the report also shows a wide range of dissatisfaction in some countries.

The average score for overall satisfaction in the 30 surveyed countries (EU 27, plus Croatia, Macedonia and Turkey) is +3,2, in the range -10 to +10. Denmark was highest, at +8, but in Bulgaria the rating was one of the lowest of all, at -1,9.

In terms of general satisfaction with life, 56% of Bulgarians felt dissatisfied. In contrast, 98% of Danes were satisfied. 46% of Bulgarians were less satisfied than 5 years ago, while 12% were happy with their current situation.

In respect to overall satisfaction with life, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Hungary gave similar low results.

A majority of Bulgarians (61%) were happy with the area they lived in. Northern Europeans were 97% happy with their areas.

Asked about the job situation, 55% of Bulgarians thought the situation was the same as 5 years ago, 18% thought matters had improved and 23% held an opposing view.

The Bulgarian opinion on the cost of living was: 8% thought the situation was good, while 25% thought otherwise. The results for all surveyed countries showed that over 70% considered matters were ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’.

Energy affordability was assessed, and 77% of Bulgarians said that the situation was worse compared with 5 years ago. Housing affordability was also regarded in a negative light.

Whereas 80% of respondents in the surveyed countries thought their healthcare system was good, 74% of Bulgarians took the opposite view, with 49% stating it was worse than 5 years ago.

The responses on healthcare showed a North and West / East and South divide, with citizens of the first zone being more positive about the services they received.

On pensions and unemployment benefits, almost three-quarters of Bulgarians (73% and 71%, respectively) thought provision of these services was bad. 76% assessed attitudes to inequality and poverty as bad.

In terms of social relations with other people, 64% of Bulgarians thought there had been no change over the past 5 years, and 68% reckoned the situation would remain the same over the coming year.

The results of a merged assessment of the three polled sectors - personal, general, and socially protective - gave Bulgaria an overall ranking of 24th of 30 countries.

Denmark ranked in first place. Germany was in 8th position, followed by the UK. France came 15th overall.

Hungary, Latvia, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Macedonia (Macedonia) took the bottom places after Bulgaria.

The EC Social Climate report incorporates data from a recent Eurobarometer social report.

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