A recent survey by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) shows that more than half of Europeans 54% are feeling pessimistic about the state of their national economies. This marks a noticeable increase compared to last year, reflecting rising economic and political concerns across the continent.
The survey, conducted in April 2025 with over 16,000 participants from nine European countries, also found that political dissatisfaction is high. Countries like France, Romania, and Spain are among the most concerned, with over 70% of people expressing worries about their political climate.
On the other hand, Scandinavian countries tend to be more optimistic.
Despite inflation easing, many consumers remain cautious.
People are cutting back on non-essential spending and focusing more on saving money and finding better value. Sustainable shopping and buying secondhand are becoming more popular, but only a small portion of consumers are willing to pay extra for eco-friendly products.
Interestingly, fewer people are worried about trade tariffs or geopolitical issues, with just 30% expressing concern over these factors. This suggests that immediate price hikes are more on people’s minds than broader trade tensions.
Overall, the BCG survey highlights a shift in consumer behavior toward financial caution, driven by economic uncertainty and political unease.
This change is influencing how Europeans shop and manage their money.
