Brussels, 12 December 2023
Almost 9 out of 10 people in Europe are satisfied with living in their city, according to the results of a Commission report that was published today on the quality of life in European cities and people’s satisfaction. The comprehensive report highlights different topics, such as the size and safety of cities, quality of public spaces, access to healthcare, and housing affordability.
The Report covers capital cities and other major cities in the EU, European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the UK, the Western Balkans and Turkey, and is based on 71,153 interviews conducted in 83 cities. It delves into various aspects of well-being linked to urban life, such as jobs, urban mobility, inclusiveness, the environment, and overall safety.
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira said:
“Quality of life depends on where we live and what opportunities it can offer us. It is encouraging to know that quality of life in European cities remains high, particularly in small and medium-sized cities. However, there is still work to be done, as some cities still lack opportunities, while others struggle with congestion problems. EU Cohesion Policy supports local authorities across Europe as they address these challenges, striving to enhance and improve the lives of citizens.”
The findings of the 2023 report show a continued high satisfaction rate among Europeans across EU cities, reaching 87%. There have been several noteworthy improvements in perceived quality of life in cities in eastern EU Member States, with significant strides in cities like Białystok and Gdańsk in Poland and Cluj-Napoca in Romania. Overall, Rostock (Germany), Braga (Portugal), Antwerp (Belgium), Copenhagen (Denmark), Groningen (the Netherlands) and Gdańsk tops the ranks of cities where residents are most satisfied with their living situation.
Some key themes in the Report focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on citizens’ satisfaction in their cities & regions, urban mobility which revealed that more people are choosing walking as their preferred mode of transport in recent years, and the attraction of small cities. Smaller cities are perceived as having a stronger appeal for older people and for families with young children. They are also deemed as safer for walking alone at night, cleaner, and less noisy compared to larger cities.
Source – EU Commission