How many Europeans cannot afford a vacation: survey data.

More than 39.7 million people in the EU cannot go on vacation

A new study shows that 39.7 million people, or 14% of the EU population, could not afford to go on vacation for a week in 2022. This is reported by Euronews.

According to a new study published on July 30 by the European Trade Union Confederation, 2 million more people in the EU could not afford to go on vacation in 2022 compared to the previous year.

This situation is dangerous for workers, as they need Time to rest and recover, said Esther Lynch, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation. She also added that vacation is important to prevent burnout and ensure that workers return to work rested.

The most poor in France and Ireland

The study shows that the largest increase in poverty during the vacation season occurred in France, where five million people could not afford a vacation. In Ireland, the number of people who cannot afford a vacation increased by 4% and amounts to 14.8% of the working population.

In 13 EU countries, the situation is worse than the average for the bloc - 14.6%. The highest percentage increase is observed in Romania - 36%.

Vacation as an indicator of quality of life

The ability to afford an annual vacation is one of the indicators used by the European Union to measure material and social deprivation. This indicator is important for ensuring a decent quality of life.

According to Eurostat, in 2022, 62% of EU residents took at least one tourist trip, but most of them were short and within the country. Germans and French spend the most money on international trips.

In the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, tourists will be rewarded with free drinks, food, and entertainment for demonstrating 'ecological responsibility' during their trip.