The premiums in the markets of Western Europe declined in the past financial year. The premium volume written declined in 2009 by 8.4% to € 830 million (2008: € 907 million). The recurring premium business declined only negligibly by 2.2% to € 645 million (2008: € 659 million). The single premium business, on the other hand, fell significantly to € 185 million (2008: € 247 million). In 2009, the WEM region contributed 14.5% (2008: 15.7%) to the Group premiums.
