Two-thirds of the Dutch are pessimistic about the future, largely due to the economic problems, according to new quarterly research from the government’s socio-cultural think-tank SCP.

Some 65% now expect the economy to worsen over the next year, compared with just 21% a year ago. And 30% now expect their own personal finances to deteriorate, up from 18% a year ago.
However, despite the pessimism, nearly nine out of 10 are happy with their own health and 82% are happy with their financial situation. On average, the Dutch are happier with their own personal situation than in other European countries, the SCP says.