Mapping EU Member States’ Quality of Life during COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis

Abstract

This study proposes an integrated methodology for the assessment and mapping of quality of life (QoL) among European Union member states in the period before and after the pandemic crisis of COVID-19. The assessment of quality of life was based on the development of composite criteria and Geographical Information Systems or GIS technology, using variables that assess quality of life. The composite criteria relate to the socioeconomic environment, employment conditions, economic conditions and health services. Each criterion was evaluated by a set of variables, and each variable was weighted based on relevant research by Greek experts. Criteria were also weighted and combined to assess overall quality of life. The methodology was applied in 27 EU member countries, and mapping led to the identification of countries with low and high quality of life. The results showed a change in the level of overall quality of life in the EU countries before and after the pandemic period, although on a limited scale, since there is a slight reclassification of the countries’ positions. The analysis also revealed the highest level of quality of life in four EU countries [Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Luxembourg] that show an increased GDP per capita, combining a low level of arrears and a low level of inability to make ends meet, whereas four countries showed the lowest level of quality of life [Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia] in both periods.