Youth unemployment in Cyprus has seen a significant decline, with the number of young people who are neither studying nor working dropping to 10.6 per cent in 2026.
- Youth unemployment in Cyprus has seen a significant decline, with the number of young people who are neither studying nor working dropping to 10.6 per cent in 2026.
- This marks a nearly eight percentage point fall from 18.5 per cent in 2015, bringing Cyprus closer to the European Union average of 11 per cent.
- The highest NEET rate is found among young people up to 29 years old, with 14.7 per cent falling into this category.
- Conversely, countries like Slovenia, Sweden, and the Netherlands boast the lowest rates, with Slovenia at 7.6 per cent, Sweden at 5.9 per cent, and the Netherlands at 5.3 per cent.
- The decline in Cyprus's NEET figures reflects not just local policy changes but also a concerted effort across Europe to address youth unemployment.
This marks a nearly eight percentage point fall from 18.5 per cent in 2015, bringing Cyprus closer to the European Union average of 11 per cent.
Youth unemployment: Age Groups Reveal Distinct Trends
The data shows varying rates of inactivity among different age brackets. Among those aged 15 to 19, only 5.3 per cent are classified as NEET (not in employment, education, or training). However, this figure nearly doubles for the 20 to 24 age group, reaching 12.8 per cent.
The highest NEET rate is found among young people up to 29 years old, with 14.7 per cent falling into this category.
Comparative EU Landscape
When looking at the broader European context, Romania has the highest rate at 19.2 per cent, followed by Bulgaria at 13.8 per cent and Greece at 13.6 per cent. Interestingly, Greece has experienced one of the most significant declines, with its NEET rate plummeting from 24.1 per cent a decade ago to 13.6 per cent now.
Conversely, countries like Slovenia, Sweden, and the Netherlands boast the lowest rates, with Slovenia at 7.6 per cent, Sweden at 5.9 per cent, and the Netherlands at 5.3 per cent.
A Decade of Change Across Europe
Over the last ten years, the trend of decreasing NEET rates is evident in 22 of the 27 EU member states. This positive shift highlights a broader movement towards improving youth engagement in both education and employment.
The decline in Cyprus’s NEET figures reflects not just local policy changes but also a concerted effort across Europe to address youth unemployment.
