One Fifth of the EU’s Working-age Population Are Currently Outside the Labour Market According to European Commission Report

One Fifth of the EU’s Working-age Population Are Currently Outside the Labour Market According to European Commission Report

The Commission’s 2025 Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) report, published 15 September 2025, highlights that one-fifth of the working-age population, around 51 million people, are currently outside the EU labour market, with women, people aged 55–64, migrants, and persons with disabilities making up the vast majority.  For context, the Employment and Social Developments in Europe is the Commission’s annual report on employment and social affairs.

People aged 55 and over: enabling longer and healthier working lives

• Despite progress, nearly 20 million people aged 55–64 are not part of the EU’s labour market, often due to retirement rules, health issues, or insufficient flexibility at work.
• The report points out that pension reforms, phased retirement, expanded long-term care, training and career guidance can help keep more older workers active.

Persons with disabilities: overcoming stereotypes and accessibility challenges

• Of the 44 million working-age persons with disabilities, 56,4% worked in 2024 -from 55,6 in 2022- compared to 84% of people without disabilities. The report finds that quota schemes, anti-discrimination measures and targeted job placement are effective tools for their integration.

ESDE Report available here.
Press release on publication of ESDE Report available here.