The percentage of pessimistic Greeks is double that of the European average, according to results of the Eurobarometer conducted in March, as 56% of Greeks believe that the economic situation in Greece will be worse the next 12 months.

It should be noted that, however, that percentage has fallen by 7% for Greece and 5% for the rest of the EU, and is lower to a corresponding measurement in November.

The percentage of Greeks who appear more optimistic is instead slightly increased, (16% versus 13% in November) a trend which coincides with that in the EU (24% vs 21% in November).

The percentage of Greeks who consider the state of the economy as poor is overwhelming, as only 3% stated the opposite, when the EU figure is around 65%.

When asked on their predictions whether the unemployment situation will worsen in the next 12 months, 60% of people answered “yes” and 14% thought it would improve (29% and 23% respectively at an EU level).

Meanwhile, 24% of Greeks believe that their personal situation regarding employment will deteriorate in the next twelve months (9% in the EU) and 14% believe it will improve (19% in the EU).

Even for 65% of Greeks, (49% in the EU) unemployment is the major problem the country is facing, followed by the economic situation (47% of Greeks and 29% in the EU) and high taxes (21% of Greeks and 12% in the EU).

On a personal level, high taxes is the major issue for 35% of Greeks (17% in the EU), followed by unemployment for 28% of our fellow citizens, 29% for their household situation (16% in the EU) and price increases for 23% of Greeks (38% in the EU).

33% of Greeks have a neutral opinion about the EU, while 18% are positive or very positive. A negative view of the EU is held by 29%. However, the majority of Greeks appears positive towards the euro and the free movement within the EU, that are characterized as the EU’s most important achievements, while most Greeks appear skeptical towards European institutions.

56% of Greeks declare in favor of the Euro and the Economic and Monetary Union, while 63% stated they are in favor of the election of the next President of the EC by EU political parties.

36% of Greeks replied that our country would be better off outside the EU. 43% of Greeks disagrees with a creation of a United States of Europe, while 34% are optimistic about the future of the Union. 31% of Greeks feel like they are European citizens while 16% answered in the negative.