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Turkey: 55.2% -

Turkey has the lowest employment rate on the list. Economic instability, high informality, and gender disparities significantly impact labor market outcomes.

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Italy: 62.2% -

Italy struggles with low employment, particularly among the youth. Structural reforms and economic modernization are needed to boost job participation.

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Greece: 63.8% -

Greece's labor market is still healing from economic crisis. While tourism helps, unemployment remains a persistent issue, especially for the young.

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Spain: 66.3% -

Spain has made progress since the Eurozone crisis, but high youth unemployment and regional imbalances continue to affect its overall employment rate.

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Belgium: 67.1% -

Belgium's labor market faces regional disparities. While the public sector and services are strong, labor taxes and regulations can hinder broader employment growth.

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Croatia: 68.4% -

Croatia's job market is still recovering from past downturns. Tourism remains a significant employer, but youth unemployment remains a challenge.

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France: 68.9% -

France sees steady employment despite structural challenges. Labor reforms and support for entrepreneurship aim to further boost workforce participation.

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Luxembourg: 69.8% -

Luxembourg's small size and cross-border workforce influence its employment rate. Finance and public services are key sectors sustaining jobs.

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Latvia: 70.4% -

Latvia's employment rate benefits from digital innovation and a growing services sector. EU support and business development aid in job creation.

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Bulgaria: 70.9% -

Bulgaria's employment rate reflects economic transition and EU integration. Outsourcing and industry have helped boost workforce involvement in recent years.

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Finland: 71.8% -

Finland balances strong education and social policy with innovation. Efforts to improve youth and senior employment help maintain overall participation.

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Poland: 72.7% -

Poland's labor market is one of Eastern Europe's strongest. A mix of industry and services, alongside economic reforms, sustains its solid employment rate.

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Slovakia: 72.8% -

Slovakia's strong employment rate is driven by its booming automotive industry and foreign investment, with most new jobs concentrated in urban areas.

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Slovenia: 72.8% -

Slovenia's diversified economy supports moderate employment. EU integration and a skilled workforce help sustain job growth despite its small population size.

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Portugal: 73% -

Portugal has seen consistent recovery since the financial crisis. Tourism, exports, and tech startups contribute to its steadily improving employment rate.

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Lithuania: 73.8% -

Lithuania's growing economy and integration with the EU have supported a steady rise in employment. Investment in technology and infrastructure helps fuel job creation.

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Austria: 74.1% -

Austria combines strong social support with a productive industrial base. Apprenticeships and low youth unemployment help maintain solid overall employment rates across the country.

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Ireland: 74.2% -

Ireland's job market benefits from foreign investment, especially in tech and pharmaceuticals. Economic growth and a young population contribute to its healthy employment rate.

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United Kingdom: 75% -

Despite recent challenges like Brexit and COVID-19, the UK maintains a strong employment rate. Service industries and flexible work options help sustain workforce involvement.

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Estonia: 75.1% -

Estonia's digital-first economy and growing tech sector have supported employment. High internet connectivity and innovation make it a leader in modern workforce adaptation.

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Hungary: 75.1% -

Hungary's rising employment rate reflects recent economic growth and labor market reforms. Foreign investment in industry has played a major role in boosting job opportunities.

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Czech Republic: 75.6% -

The Czech Republic shows strong employment figures, driven by a growing manufacturing sector and low unemployment, particularly in regions tied to European supply chains.

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Sweden: 76.2% -

Sweden's focus on gender equality, education, and innovation supports a strong labor force. The country benefits from high participation among both young people and older workers.

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Denmark: 76.9% -

Denmark’s flexible labor market model helps maintain a high employment rate. The country supports both job creation and transitions through strong social safety nets.

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Norway: 77% -

Norway combines a strong welfare state with high labor force participation. Its energy sector and inclusive policies keep employment levels consistently high despite global economic fluctuations.

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Germany: 77.6% -

Germany's stable economy and strong industrial base contribute to its high employment rate. Dual education systems and strong exports help sustain workforce participation and reduce joblessness.

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Switzerland: 80.4% -

Switzerland maintains a resilient economy with a highly skilled workforce, bolstering its strong employment rate. Low unemployment and a focus on innovation support consistent labor market strength.

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Netherlands: 82.3% -

Among the EU countries, only the Netherlands has surpassed 80% employment since 2005, driven by a flexible labor market and widespread part-time work, particularly among women, contributing to workforce participation.

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Iceland: 85.6% -

Iceland leads Europe with an impressive employment rate, reflecting its strong labor market, low unemployment, and high workforce participation across all age groups, particularly among women and older workers.

Sources: (Euronews) (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)

See also: The best European countries for work-life balance in 2025

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