According to a new index developed by Eurofound, Ireland and Denmark are the most socially optimistic countries in the EU. The Social Optimism Index measures variables like personal expectations, views on a country's direction, and confidence in the future. Ireland scored highest at 0.69, followed by Denmark at 0.58, while Greece was the most pessimistic at -0.65. Around 7 in 10 people in Ireland and Denmark are defined as social optimists, compared to just 2 in 10 who are pessimists. In Greece, 65% are pessimistic and only 21% optimistic. The index shows optimism levels vary significantly between EU countries due to factors like community involvement, employment, finances, and voice in government.