EUROBAROMETER : JOB CRISIS EUROPEANS' GREATEST CONCERN.

While concerns about the economic situation have lessened slightly, Europeans are still particularly worried about the impact of the crisis on employment, according to the autumn 2009 Eurobarometer. "Citizens have clearly identified jobs as their main concern, and the EU must continue to give its full attention and commitment to dealing with the crisis," commented Margot Wallstrom, the commissioner for institutional relations and communication strategy.

The poll is conducted twice a year, in spring and autumn, by TNS Opinion & Social. A total of 30,238 Europeans were surveyed for this latest poll between 23 October and 18 November 2009.

The survey reveals an increase in the number of respondents who think the crisis has reached its peak in terms of the impact on jobs (38%), but 54% of those polled think the worst is still to come. Unemployment is the top national concern in 19 European countries. Estonia heads the list, followed by Spain, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. Perception of the economic situation over the last 12 months is the second concern, but the survey shows a more positive trend, with 30% (six points more than in May-June 2009) of those polled expressing optimism, 38% saying the situation will remain stable and 21% (seven points less than in May-June 2009) expecting the situation to grow worse.

It is interesting to note that these results seem to confirm the...