Netherlands Records Highest EU Employment Rate as Turkey Ranks Lowest in 2024

The European Union’s labour market remained resilient in 2024, with the employment rate reaching a record 75.8 per cent among people aged 20 to 64, according to Eurostat. The figure represented the highest level since the beginning of the EU time series in 2009.

The OECD also reported that the EU unemployment rate fell to a record low of 5.7 per cent in February 2025, underlining the strength of the bloc’s labour market.

The Netherlands’ strong performance is linked to a flexible labour market and widespread part-time employment, particularly among women.

Malta has also emerged as one of the EU’s strongest performers, supported by expanding services, tourism and foreign investment.

Czechia’s high employment rate reflects a strong manufacturing sector, low unemployment and its close integration with European supply chains.

Germany continues to benefit from its industrial base, export economy and dual vocational education system, which helps young people move from training into employment.

Denmark’s flexible labour market, combined with strong social protection, has helped maintain high employment. The country’s approach makes it easier for workers to move between jobs while retaining a strong social safety net.

Sweden’s labour market benefits from high participation among women, strong education systems and policies promoting gender equality. Innovation and technology also contribute to job creation.

Austria combines a productive industrial economy with strong social protection and apprenticeship programmes, helping maintain solid employment and relatively low youth unemployment.

Ireland has benefited from substantial foreign investment, particularly in technology and pharmaceuticals. Economic growth and a relatively young population have also supported employment.

Poland has developed one of Eastern Europe’s stronger labour markets, with manufacturing, services and economic reforms contributing to job creation.

Slovakia’s automotive industry and foreign investment have been major sources of employment, although many opportunities are concentrated around major urban and industrial centres.

Slovenia’s diversified economy and skilled workforce have helped sustain employment despite the country’s small population.

Portugal has continued its recovery from the financial crisis, with tourism, exports and technology companies supporting employment growth.

Lithuania has benefited from economic growth, EU integration and investment in technology and infrastructure, while Latvia has seen employment supported by digital innovation and an expanding services sector.

Estonia’s digital-first economy and growing technology industry have helped it adapt to changing labour-market demands, while Hungary has benefited from economic growth, labour-market reforms and foreign investment in manufacturing.

Finland combines strong education and social policies with an innovative economy. Increasing employment among young and older workers remains an important policy objective.

France has maintained relatively steady employment despite structural challenges, with labour reforms and support for entrepreneurship aimed at encouraging greater workforce participation.

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Belgium’s labour market remains strong in public services and other sectors but faces regional differences. High labour taxes and regulatory barriers can make further employment growth more difficult.

Luxembourg’s employment figures are influenced by its small population and large cross-border workforce. Financial services and public administration remain important sources of employment.

Croatia continues to recover from earlier economic difficulties, with tourism playing a major role in job creation. Youth unemployment remains a challenge.

Spain has made considerable progress since the eurozone crisis, but unemployment among young people and regional differences continue to weigh on its overall labour-market performance.

Greece has also made progress following its prolonged economic crisis. Tourism remains a major employer, although unemployment and youth joblessness remain concerns.

Italy continues to record one of the EU’s lowest employment rates, particularly among young people. Structural reforms, greater participation by women and economic modernisation remain important to improving employment.

Outside the EU, Norway and Switzerland also have strong labour markets. Norway combines high labour-force participation with a strong welfare system and a major energy sector, while Switzerland benefits from a highly skilled workforce, low unemployment and an innovation-driven economy.

Turkey, meanwhile, remains at the lower end of the wider comparison. Its labour market continues to be affected by economic instability, informal employment and significant gender disparities.

The overall picture is one of a European labour market that has remained remarkably strong despite economic uncertainty. The record employment rate and historically low unemployment show that more people are participating in work across the bloc, although the large differences between countries demonstrate that the benefits have not been distributed evenly.

According to a ranking published on MSN, Microsoft’s personalised content platform, and sighted by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the countries were ranked as follows:

Netherlands — 82.3 per cent
Switzerland — 80.4 per cent
Germany — 77.6 per cent
Norway — 77.0 per cent
Denmark — 76.9 per cent
Sweden — 76.2 per cent
Czech Republic — 75.6 per cent
Hungary — 75.1 per cent
Estonia — 75.1 per cent
United Kingdom — 75.0 per cent
Ireland — 74.2 per cent
Austria — 74.1 per cent
Lithuania — 73.8 per cent
Portugal — 73.0 per cent
Slovenia — 72.8 per cent
Slovakia — 72.8 per cent
Poland — 72.7 per cent
Finland — 71.8 per cent
Bulgaria — 70.9 per cent
Latvia — 70.4 per cent