The EU employment rate in 2022 reached its historical high at 74.6 %, however, when examining regional data, significant differences emerge beneath the EU average. The EU employment rate in 2022 reached its historical high at 74.6 %, however, when examining regional data, significant differences emerge beneath the EU average. The highest regional employment rate among NUTS 2 regions in 2022 was recorded […]
Read MoreEuropean Council votes in favour of lower limits for occupational exposure to asbestos
The Council formally adopted new rules on protecting workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. This directive updates the existing rules in line with the latest scientific and technological developments. The updated rules significantly lower the current asbestos limits and provide for more accurate ways to measure exposure levels to asbestos […]
Read MoreThe European Commission has adopted its work programme for 2024
The Commission adopted its 2024 Work Programme, which puts a strong focus on simplifying rules for citizens and businesses across the European Union. This follows up on President von der Leyen’s commitment to reduce reporting requirements by 25%, in line with our strategy to boost the EU’s long-term competitiveness and to provide relief for SMEs. The Work Programme […]
Read MoreWhich regions have the most highly-skilled employed people?
Highly-skilled workers are essential to modern economies, driving innovation, productivity and growth. Employed people with high-skills are defined as people aged 25–64 who are employed in the following occupations: managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals. In 2022, there were approximately 80 million highly-skilled people employed across the EU, accounting for 44.2% of the total number […]
Read MoreParliament wants to reduce demand for prostitution and protect those who work in it
Parliament called on Thursday for EU measures to tackle prostitution and policies that eliminate poverty. The report on prostitution in the EU, its cross-border implications and impact on gender equality and women’s rights was adopted by MEPs with 234 votes in favour, 175 against and 122 abstentions. It underlines that the asymmetry between national rules […]
Read MoreCommission proposes steps to make it easier for Europeans to live, work and travel abroad
The Commission has proposed concrete steps to further digitalise the coordination of social security systems in Europe, in a dedicated Communication. It lays out actions to make access to social security services quicker and simpler across borders by making full use of digital tools, reducing administrative burden for citizens and business. This will improve the exchanges of […]
Read MoreEurostat: When do young Europeans leave their parental home?
In 2022, young people across the EU left their parental home on average at the age of 26.4 years. However, this average varied among EU countries. The highest average ages, at 30 years or above, were recorded in Croatia (33.4 years), Slovakia (30.8), Greece (30.7), Bulgaria and Spain (both 30.3), Malta (30.1) and Italy (30.0). In contrast, the lowest […]
Read MorePeople at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2022
In 2022, 21.6 % of the EU population — or some 95.3 million people — were at risk of poverty or social exclusion. The shares of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion varied across the EU countries in 2022. The highest values were reported in Romania (34%), Bulgaria (32%), Greece and Spain (both […]
Read MoreMEPs call for new rules to avoid the exploitation of trainees across the EU
Parliament urges the Commission to propose legislation to ensure the quality of traineeships across the EU. On Wednesday, plenary adopted with 404 votes in favour, 78 against and 130 abstentions a report calling on the Commission to propose a directive on Quality Traineeships and to update the existing Quality Framework for Traineeships. According to MEPs, […]
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