Greeks remain among the most pessimistic in EU
BRUSSELS – Greeks remain among the most pessimistic citizens in the European Union, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey, released in Brussels yesterday. More than four in five (82 percent) consider that the country’s economy is in a «bad» (49 percent) or «very bad» (33 percent) state, while only 17 percent view the situation as «good» and just 1 percent as «very good.» The picture is worse compared to a year earlier (February 2006), as the percentage of those viewing the situation as «very bad» is up by six percentage points and those considering it to be good or very good were up by four percentage points. Despite a slight decline in concern about unemployment since last year, it still remains the country’s foremost problem (51 percent) – significantly higher than the EU average (34 percent). The general economic situation is viewed as the second most serious problem (39 percent), prices third (28 percent) and the crime rate fourth (20 percent). Health, education and pensions follow. In relation to the previous Eurobarometer survey, concern has increased about pensions (by 4 percent) and education (by 6 percent). Greek concern also emerges highest regarding the greenhouse effect, with 87 percent (the same as Cyprus) considering that the EU must «urgently» take measures. The EU average is 57 percent. In Greece, the Eurobarometer survey was conducted between April 10 and May 8 with a sample of 1,000 people aged over 15.
