Employment and Social Developments in Europe quarterly review shows employment and unemployment rates nearly back at pre-crisis levels

The newest quarterly review of Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) shows that the EU economy and labour market have started to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic with employment and unemployment at almost pre-crisis rates.

While in some Member States, unemployment and other unmet needs for employment remain significant, companies in several EU countries and sectors already experience a shortage of labour.

Following the tragic flooding in Europe this summer, and as climate-related hazards such as these will most likely intensify, the new report comes with a thematic focus on the impact of floods on companies and workers..

Key findings
Real GDP increased in the second quarter of 2021, and the Commission’s Summer 2021 Economic Forecast, published on 7 July 2021, projects that the economy in the EU and the euro area will expand by 4.8% this year and 4.5% in 2022

Total employment increased in the second quarter of 2021, following a drop in the first quarter

Unemployment declined in almost all Member States in recent months, including youth unemployment

Water damages have a significant and persistent adverse effect on firms’ performance and employees’ wages