In 2022, 75% (193.5 million) of the EU's 20-64-year-olds were employed, the highest share recorded since the start of the time series in 2009. The employment rate dropped to 72% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but rebounded to 73% in 2021 and further increased by 2 percentage points (pp) in 2022.
Among the EU countries, 11 had employment rates above 78% (one of the three targets set in the 2030 action plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights), with the Netherlands (83%), Sweden, and Estonia (both 82%) having the highest rates. The lowest rates were recorded in Italy (65%), Greece (66%), and Romania (69%).
Source:
Eurostat, 27 April 2023