What are the benefits of living in Europe?

Welfare
Despite the fact that Europe covers only 10,180,000 km2 (50 countries) and Europe is the second smallest continent, Europe, as a whole, currently has the largest economy in the world, which reflects well on living standards and welfare provisions. In 2009 Europe remained the world's wealthiest region. It's $37.1 trillion in assets under management representing one-third of the world's wealth.

Free movement and single market
Existence of the European Union and Schengen area provides excellent opportunities for EU citizens to move and travel freely, without any physical or legal obstacles, which is an obvious advantage. Since there is a single market with unified standards in place within the European Union, the quality of products and services is also generally high.

Start your business
Do you want to start your own business? You can do so easily in Europe. In many European countries legal regulations allow you to register your company in as little as just 3 days - sometimes less. The single market is full of new opportunities, so that you can be free to expand your business into other European countries.

Social security
Educational standards in European countries are considered relatively high. There are many universities and colleges, which offer education enabling you to compete for the best career opportunities throughout the world. The oldest university in the world – University of Bologna (est. in 1088), which still operates, is located in Europe (Italy). European higher educational facilities operate under single, unified system, which provides an opportunity for students to choose where they want to study. Also, the European Union has grants and discounts available for students who are citizens of the EU, which means that you can often get one of the best educations in the world for a good price.

Work in European countries can be both interesting and well paid. The open labor market includes freedom of movement for workers, allowing you the possibility to travel to a place, where specialists in your specialty are in high demand. This allows EU member states to exchange specialists in different fields, thus making the local labour market more stable, decreasing unemployment rates and contributing to the economy and welfare of the region as a whole.

Healthcare is also a very important factor, which must be taken into account. Most European countries provide very comprehensive healthcare benefits for EU residents. That is compares very favorably with many regions and provides many benefits, no doubt.

European lifestyle
European lifestyle is considered western by the majority of the world.

First, there are a lot of things to see in Europe. Not only tourists from other parts of the world come to Europe sightseeing, Europeans also love travelling around the region. Europe has one of the richest cultural heritages in the world, making it a perfect object of curiosity. Open borders and small distances create an environment friendly to travellers. Each country and sometimes each city has its own traditions and language, so cultural diversity is pretty high. You can travel by car and see a lot of things, and that is what many Europeans do for vacation.

Second, it is people. Most people in Europe are very friendly and open. Europeans have etiquette and respect for many things, especially traditions. Their mindset is often focussed toward living and enjoying life.

Third, it is about taking it easy. People in Europe sure do know how to relax. You can find any kind of relaxation and entertainment in almost any European city: from theatres and operas to night clubs and bars. Most Europeans work hard, but they also do like to party. In case you prefer more cultural experiences, European cities have many museums, memorials, theatres etc.

Fourth, it is the cuisine. European cuisine really differs, and not just from country to country, but also from city to city. Because of the high level of European integration, often you can find a wide selection of such cuisines in each city. The cuisine itself varies: from olives, kebabs and pizzas in the south to cooked fish, roasted meat and cold soups in the north.

European culture
European culture has a rich historical heritage, which can be seen today in the form of museums, architecture, literature and art. Europe has a long history that dates back to Ancient Greece. Europe is considered the birthplace of a modern western civilization.