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EU Unemployment Soars: 26.8 Million Facing Job Crisis

9/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In Q2 2025, the EU reports 13.3 million officially unemployed, increasing to 26.8 million when including hidden unemployment.
Labour market slack in the EU is at 11.7%, varying by country.
Turkey has the highest slack at 25.8%, while Poland has the lowest at 5.1%.
High unemployment, inadequate support, and skills mismatches drive slack.
Underemployment notably impacts slack in the Netherlands, Finland, and Ireland.

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Story summary

In Q2 2025, the EU reports 13.3 million officially unemployed, increasing to 26.8 million when including hidden unemployment.
Labour market slack in the EU is at 11.7%, varying by country.
Turkey has the highest slack at 25.8%, while Poland has the lowest at 5.1%.
High unemployment, inadequate support, and skills mismatches drive slack.
Underemployment notably impacts slack in the Netherlands, Finland, and Ireland.