Romania has officially become the EU country with the highest unemployment rate among young people under 25 years old, reaching a staggering 26.3% in December 2024, according to data from Eurostat. This figure surpasses that of traditionally high youth unemployment countries like Spain and Greece, where the issue has been a persistent challenge.
In comparison, Romania's overall unemployment rate for all age groups stood at a relatively low 5.7%, slightly below the European average of 5.8%. Other countries reported higher unemployment rates, with Spain at 10.6%, Greece at 9.3%, Finland at 8.7%, Sweden at 8.6%, and Estonia at 7.8%. Meanwhile, countries like the Czech Republic (2.6%), Poland (2.7%), and Malta (3%) enjoyed significantly lower rates.
What stands out in Romania's situation is that the unemployment rate among young people is consistent across genders, a rarity in Europe. In contrast, Lithuania shows a stark difference, with a youth unemployment rate of 5.5% for men and 18.6% for women. Similarly, in Greece, 19.9% of young men are unemployed compared to 26.3% of young women. Luxembourg and Belgium also illustrate gender disparities, with higher unemployment rates for young men than for young women.
However, the equality in unemployment rates between young men and women in Romania is not a cause for celebration. The overall high unemployment rate among youth is concerning, especially since it has now surpassed the European level recorded during the euro crisis in 2013. Romania has consistently had a high youth unemployment rate since joining the EU in 2007, but this marks the first time it has taken the lead in this undesirable statistic.
The report from Monitorul Social, a project of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Romania, emphasizes the urgent need for a national social and economic policy specifically targeting young people. This policy should address issues such as school dropout rates and the quality of education, while also providing financial support for students and teachers where necessary. Furthermore, it should tackle the skills and employability challenges faced by young people by adapting school curricula to meet labor market needs.
Additionally, the report calls for a public communication campaign aimed at combating employers' reluctance to hire young people under 25. This is critical, as the NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) rate in Romania is alarmingly high, standing at 19.4% in 2024, the highest in the EU, compared to the European average of 11%.
Despite the grim statistics, the report highlights the need for a concerted effort to improve the situation. The unemployment crisis among young people is not just a statistic; it represents a generation struggling to find its footing in an increasingly competitive job market. The Romanian government, along with educational institutions and private sectors, must collaborate to create pathways for youth employment and skill development.
As Romania grapples with these challenges, the situation serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to take immediate and effective action. The youth of Romania deserve better opportunities, and addressing these issues head-on is crucial for the country's future economic stability and growth.
