First European quality of life survey : key findings from a policy perspective

Quality of life has emerged as a key concern of EU social policy, having a direct bearing on the living and working conditions of European citizens. The Foundation's first European Quality of Life survey, conducted in 2003, set out to analyse how various factors affect Europeans' quality of life. The survey elicited the opinions of over 26,000 respondents across 28 European countries on issues as diverse as life satisfaction, income, social networks, participation in civil society, and housing. This report summarises the main conclusions of the survey analysis and goes on to consider the implications of the findings for policymakers. It looks at their relevance for current policy and possible directions for future policy. It also highlights the interplay between social and economic policy, suggesting that policies aimed at increasing economic growth across Europe can in fact make a significant contribution to social policy. At the same, the report underlines some potential challenges, in particular those raised by the enlargement of the EU and the growing levels of diversity in society.