As 2026 unfolds, Europeans are grappling with a patchwork of anxieties that reflect the continent's diverse economic and social landscapes. A recent YouGov survey across six European countries—France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden—reveals that no single issue unites public opinion. Instead, national priorities diverge sharply, shaped by local pressures and political debates.
Economic Fears in the Eurozone's Core
In France and Germany, the eurozone's two largest economies, economic concerns top the list. Nearly half of French respondents (47%) and 44% of Germans ranked the economy among the two biggest issues facing their countries. Immigration followed as a secondary worry, cited by 27% in France and 26% in Germany.
These figures come amid persistent economic headwinds. Germany's export-driven model, long reliant on automotive exports, has been battered by weak demand from the US and China. While industrial production saw a modest uptick recently, output remains below pre-pandemic levels, and experts warn that recovery is fragile. In France, first-quarter data shows stalled growth, exacerbated by the Iran war's impact on energy prices. Political deadlock in Paris has further complicated efforts to pass fiscal reforms.
Pessimism runs deep: 68% of French respondents expect the economy to worsen over the next year, compared with 58% in Germany. This gloom reflects broader uncertainty about Europe's competitiveness and the resilience of its social models.
Spain's Housing Crisis Takes Center Stage
In Spain, the dominant concern is housing, with 49% of respondents ranking it among the country's two biggest issues—the highest share for any single issue across all six countries surveyed. Healthcare and the economy tied at 25% each.
The data underscores a severe housing crisis. According to Spain's National Statistics Institute (INE), house prices surged nearly 13% year-on-year by the end of 2025, one of the fastest increases in Europe. A worker would need to devote 8.4 years of their average salary to afford an 80-square-metre home. The problem is acute in regions like the Balearic Islands and Madrid, while short-term rentals in Barcelona have fueled local anger over affordability. This crisis is reshaping Spain's social fabric and political debate, with protests demanding "Viviendas para quienes las habitan" (homes for those who live in them) echoing through Madrid's streets.
For more on how climate pressures are influencing housing markets, see our analysis on climate gentrification in Europe's suburbs.
Italy's Healthcare System Under Strain
Italy stands out as the only country where healthcare emerged as the top concern, cited by 43% of respondents—ahead of the economy and immigration. This reflects mounting pressure on Italy's public health services, which face a shortage of an estimated 175,000 nurses. Low pay, heavy workloads, and limited career prospects have driven a brain drain of medical professionals to other European nations.
An aging population compounds the challenge, as demand for care rises while the workforce shrinks. The Italian government has pledged reforms, but progress remains slow. The situation echoes broader European healthcare strains, as highlighted in reports on healthcare reform calls.
Denmark: A Different Set of Priorities
Denmark was the only country surveyed where neither the economy, housing, nor healthcare topped the list. Instead, Danes expressed concerns about immigration and the environment, reflecting a distinct national context. This divergence underscores how even within the European Union, public anxieties are far from uniform.
The survey's findings offer a snapshot of a continent in flux, where economic uncertainty, housing affordability, and healthcare access are pressing but not universal. As Europe navigates 2026, policymakers in Brussels and national capitals will need to address these varied concerns with tailored solutions.
