New member states boost Europe’s life insurance sales

The small increase in total life premium disguises a 0.4% decrease in the 15 old EU member states

Europe’s insurance business grew by just 0.1% in real terms in 2007, according to preliminary figures from the European insurers’ association CEA. Premium income in 2007 was €1,110bn ($1,753bn) last year, up from €1,086bn in 2006; this was 2.2% up in nominal terms, but less after adjustment for inflation.