The unemployment rate in the European Union reached 5.9% in December 2024, rising from 5.8% in November 2024. However, it declined compared to 6.0% in December 2023. Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU, reported these figures.
In the eurozone, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 6.3% in December 2024, up from 6.2% in November 2024. This rate, however, fell from 6.5% recorded in December 2023.
According to Eurostat, 12.978 million people in the EU were unemployed in December 2024, with 10.830 million jobless in the euro area.
Jobless Numbers Increase Compared to November
Compared to November 2024, the number of unemployed increased by 94,000 in the EU and by 96,000 in the euro area. Despite this short-term rise, unemployment figures decreased compared to December 2023.
Between December 2023 and December 2024, the number of jobless individuals fell by 261,000 in the EU and by 266,000 in the euro area. This decline suggests an overall improvement in employment levels over the past year.
Unemployment by Gender Shows Mixed Trends
In December 2024, the unemployment rate for women in the EU remained at 6.1%, unchanged from November 2024. The jobless rate for men also stayed stable at 5.7%.
Within the eurozone, the unemployment rate for women increased slightly to 6.5%, up from 6.4% in the previous month. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for men remained at 6.1%, showing no change from November 2024.
