In 2016, the employment rate for the population aged 20 to 64 in the EU stood at 71.1%, up from 2015 (70.1%) and from its previous peak recorded in 2008 (70.3%), according to figures from Eurostat, the statistical body of the EU.

Eurostat states that the Europe 2020 strategy target is to reach a total employment rate for people aged 20 to 64 of at least 75% in the EU by 2020.  This objective has been translated into national targets to reflect the situation and possibilities of each member state to contribute to the common goal.

Meanwhile, the upward trend in employment rate is visible both for men and women. For men, their employment rate reached 76.9% in 2016, an increase compared with 2015 (75.9%) but still below its 2008 level (77.8%). As for women, their employment rate has continuously risen since 2010 to reach 65.3% in 2016. The greater participation of older workers (55-64) is also one of the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy on employment. The employment rate of persons aged 55 to 64 in the EU has grown steadily over the last years, from 38.4% in 2002 to 55.3% in 2016.

Compared with 2015, the employment rate for those aged 20 to 64 increased in 2016 in all member states except Luxembourg where it remained nearly stable.