Sweden and the Netherlands Lead EU in Standard of Living, CBS Report Finds

Sweden and the Netherlands have emerged top countries in the European Union for standard of living, according to a report by the Dutch national statistics office, CBS. The report evaluates 23 key indicators to assess wealth, welfare, and personal growth.

Sweden secured the highest ranking, closely followed by the Netherlands. The Netherlands excelled in 14 of the 23 indicators, particularly in terms of trust in fellow citizens. However, it performed poorly in spending on housing and healthy women's life expectancy.

The Netherlands also boasts the highest percentage of people in work and one of the lowest long-term unemployment rates in the EU. Additionally, three-quarters of Dutch people have regular contact with friends, family, and neighbors, highlighting the country's strong social fabric.

Understanding the standard of living in different EU countries is essential for policymakers to formulate well-reasoned judgments about resource allocation and social welfare programs. This report's findings could lead to changes in policy and investment strategies, potentially affecting the lives of millions of EU citizens.

In contrast, Croatia ranked lowest among the 27 EU member states. Other countries that performed poorly include Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovakia, and Greece. Most of these countries were part of the Soviet bloc until 1989, which may contribute to their current standings.

The CBS report highlights significant disparities in living standards across the EU. It highlights the importance of various factors, including employment rates and social connections, in determining overall well-being.

The findings align with a study by the Hans Böckler Foundation's Institute of Economic and Social Research (WSI), which surveyed around 15,000 employees and jobseekers in ten EU countries. The study found that better working conditions correlate with more positive attitudes towards democracy and greater trust in its institutions, including the EU.

Professor Dr. Bettina Kohlrausch, Scientific Director of the WSI, emphasized the relevance of the work environment in shaping political attitudes. "The world of work is relevant across Europe when it comes to understanding and combating the rise of the political far right," she stated.

The CBS report and WSI study together highlight the intricate link between living standards, work conditions, and political attitudes within the EU. As countries strive to improve their rankings, addressing these factors holistically will be essential.

To recap, Sweden and the Netherlands stand out as leaders in the EU for standard of living, driven by strong social and economic indicators. The findings serve as a benchmark for other nations aiming to enhance their citizens' well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Sweden and Netherlands top EU countries for standard of living.
• Netherlands excels in trust and employment, but lags in housing and women's life expectancy.
• Croatia ranks lowest among 27 EU member states, followed by Hungary, Romania, and others.
• Employment rates and social connections are key factors in determining overall well-being.
• Better working conditions correlate with more positive attitudes towards democracy and EU institutions.