In several of Europe’s largest economies, economic issues remain at the forefront.
The economy is a major concern for residents of France and Germany
For example, nearly half of the French (47%) and 44% of Germans cited the state of the economy as one of the two biggest problems they face. Immigration ranked second in both countries: it was cited by 27% of respondents in France and 26% in Germany.
Respondents in both countries express cautious optimism about the coming year: about 68% of those surveyed in France expect the economic situation to worsen over the next 12 months, while 58% in Germany share this view, according to euronews.
Housing Is the Main Issue in Spain
In Spain, public attention is focused on another pressing issue: housing. Nearly half of respondents (49%) cited the lack of housing and high housing costs as one of the country’s two main problems. This high figure makes housing the most pressing issue among the six countries that participated in the survey. Healthcare and the economy ranked second and third, each chosen by 25% of respondents.
The data reflects the housing crisis that dominated political debates in Spain last year. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), by the end of 2025, housing prices had risen by nearly 13% year-over-year.
The problem is particularly acute in certain regions of the country: The Balearic Islands and Madrid are among the most expensive places to buy a home, and short-term rentals in cities such as Barcelona have long been a source of discontent among local residents due to a shortage of affordable housing.
Italians are concerned about healthcare
Italy, by contrast, was the only country in the survey where healthcare ranked as the top concern: about 43% of respondents cited health and the healthcare system as two of the country’s biggest problems, ahead of the economy and immigration.
This comes as the public healthcare system faces growing pressure due to staff shortages and an aging population. Euronews previously reported that Italy is short175,000 nurses, and that low wages, heavy workloads, and limited career prospects are contributing to an exodus ofqualified medical personnel to other European countries.
Denmark Stands Out from the Rest
Denmark was the only country where neither the economy, housing, nor healthcare ranked first.
Here, international terrorism and violence, as well as climate change, are the greatest causes for concern. These two issues tied for first place among the country’s problems: 27% of respondents cited each, respectively.
Immigration follows (24%), while healthcare and the economy rank lower.
