In 2017, the employment rate of people aged 20 to 64 in the European Union stood at 72.2%, up compared with 2016 (71.1%), according to figures from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Eurostat highlighted a Europe 2020 strategy target of reaching a total employment rate for people aged 20 to 64 of at least 75% in the EU by 2020.

The employment rate for men hit 78.0% in 2017, an increase compared with 2016 (76.9%) and nearly the same as its 2008 level (77.9%) when the previous peak was recorded. As for women, their employment rate has continuously risen since 2010 to reach 66.5% in 2017 (as compared to 65.3% in 2016). Employment rates of men and women continued however to vary significantly in many member states in 2017.

Meanwhile, the employment rate of persons aged 55 to 64 in the EU has grown steadily, from 38.4% in 2002 to 57.1% in 2017. The greater participation of older workers is also one of the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy on employment.

Eurostat added that one-third of EU member states already achieved their Europe 2020 employment target. Compared with 2016, the employment rate for those aged 20 to 64 increased in 2017 in all member states except Denmark, where it decreased by 0.5%.

The goal of reaching a total employment rate for people aged 20 to 64 of at least 75% in the EU by 2020 has been translated into different national targets in order to reflect the situation and possibilities of each member state to contribute to the common goal.