Brussels: Unemployment in the euro area reached 6.3% in May, marking a slight increase from 6.2% in April, Eurostat announced on Wednesday. The data reflects a broader economic trend within the region as countries continue to navigate post-pandemic recovery challenges.
According to Anadolu Agency, the overall unemployment rate for the entire European Union remained stable at 5.9% in May 2025, the same as in April 2025. Eurostat’s estimates reveal that approximately 13 million individuals across the EU were unemployed in May, with 10.8 million of those residing in the euro area.
The figures indicate a month-to-month rise in unemployment, with an increase of 48,000 unemployed persons in the EU and 54,000 in the euro area. These numbers highlight ongoing economic adjustments in the region as labor markets respond to various pressures.
Youth unemployment remains a significant concern, with 2.8 million young individuals, aged 25 and under, reported as unemployed in the EU in May. Within the euro area, this number stands at 2.3 million. The youth unemployment rate in the EU was recorded at 14.8% in May, up from 14.7% in April, while the euro area saw a rise to 14.4% from 14.3%.
Spain recorded the highest national unemployment rate at 10.8%, while Malta reported the lowest at 2.7%. The eurozone, also known as the EA20, comprises EU member states that have adopted the euro as their official currency, reflecting diverse economic conditions across the region.