The unemployment rate in the 28-country European Union edged down to 6.2% in December from 6.3% in November, remaining at its lowest level since tracking began in January 2000, according to seasonally adjusted data released Thursday by Eurostat.

Turning to just the 19-country euro area, the unemployment rate edged down to 7.4% in December from 7.5% in November — the lowest rate since May 2008.

Czechia posted the lowest unemployment rate, 2.0%, among all 28 European Union countries in December. Germany and the Netherlands tied for second lowest at 3.2% each. Poland wasn’t far behind at 3.3%.

The UK’s unemployment rate was 3.8%, although it was based on October data.

Greece recorded the highest unemployment rate at 16.6% based on October data. Spain was the second-highest at 13.7%.

In comparison, the US unemployment rate was 3.5% in December.

Eurostat noted that the UK will continue to send data during the Brexit transition period until the end of this year. However, Eurostat will present the data for the UK after, and separated from, the member states.

Unemployment rates for December 2019

*October 2019 data

**November 2019 data