A quarter of Europeans can't afford a holiday
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According to new data from Eurostat, in 2024, 27% of the EU population aged 16 and over could not afford to spend at least one week of holiday away from home. Despite an improvement compared to 2023 (-1.5 p.p.) and significant progress over the decade (-10.6 p.p. compared to 2014), the figures are still alarming - one in four Europeans face financial difficulties preventing a meaningful holiday.
The highest number of citizens unable to afford a holiday is recorded in:
- Romania - 58.6%,
- Greece - 46%,
- Bulgaria - 41.4%.
At the other pole:
- Luxembourg - 8.9%,
- Sweden - 11.6%,
- Netherlands - 13%.
The gap between EU countries thus exceeds 45 percentage points, highlighting the uneven economic recovery and the level of social protection.
One of the key indicators of living standards is the opportunity not only to work, but also to rest. A week's holiday is not just a 'luxury' but an element of basic well-being recognised by the UN as a component of a decent life. Its absence can indicate chronic problems in income, employment and social policy.
The decline in the overall share over 10 years is a positive trend, but the data emphasise that risks of social vulnerability remain high. This is particularly true in Eastern and Southern Europe, where access to holidays is still limited for many.
