Europeans do not expect immediate economic recovery. - According to the results of a survey carried out by AlixPartners among 5,000 people in five European countries (France, Italy, Germany, UK and Sweden), consumers are still somewhat pessimistic. Only 38% of respondents expect a total economic recovery in 2012, at the very earliest. Although many have changed their consumer habits to reduce expenditure, few intend to change spending long term once the crisis is over. This attitude is in contrast to findings of a similar study conducted in the United States, which revealed that Americans intend to consumer differently, even once the recession is over. The main conclusions of the study are: 1) an ever larger number of Europeans consider their situation is growing worse rather than getting better, such being the case for one third of respondents in France, Italy and the UK; 2) confidence on an improved personal financial situation is linked to three factors: a fall in the cost of living, a rise in salaries and a fall in unemployment; 3) Italians are the most indebted (27%), while the Swedes seem to have reduced their indebtedness (12%); 4) the British are the least inclined to trust the government to improve their country's economic situation (14%) while the French consider they have more chance, as individuals, to improve their personal living conditions (69%) or the situation of their country (63%); and 5) among the changing habits, greater use is made of supermarkets (for foodstuffs), discount shops, public transport, television and fixed telephone lines. Bars and restaurants, purchases of home furnishings, shopping at premium stores, purchase of take-out food and premium brand groceries are on the decline. (I.L./transl.jl)