Good news arrives from Eurostat: unemployment in the European Union and specifically in the Eurozone continues to decline. But wait, what's happening with Bulgaria? The answer is intriguing, isn't it?
The Bulgarian Phenomenon: Lowest Unemployment in the Eurozone
In January 2026, the first month of our full membership in the Eurozone, unemployment in Bulgaria was recorded at a record low - 3.1%. This is the best indicator among all countries that use the euro. For comparison, in December of the previous year, unemployment was 3.2%. Not bad, right? Eurostat has even calculated what the data would look like if we removed Bulgaria from the equation. Then the average unemployment in the remaining 20 Eurozone countries becomes 6.2%.
But let's not forget the overall picture. Unemployment in the Eurozone in January was 6.1%, slightly less than 6.2% in December 2025 and significantly less than 6.3% a year before. In the entire European Union, the situation is even more favorable - 5.8% in January, compared to 5.9% in December and 6% in January 2025.
What does this mean in practice? According to Eurostat, in January, nearly 13 million people in the European Union were unemployed, of whom over 10.7 million were in the Eurozone. On a monthly basis, the number of unemployed decreased by 185 thousand in the EU and by 184 thousand in the Eurozone. On an annual basis, the decline is even more impressive - 274 thousand fewer unemployed in the EU and 273 thousand in the Eurozone.
Who are the next ones in the ranking?
Of course, Bulgaria is not the only country in the Eurozone with low unemployment. Malta is second with 3.4%, and Slovenia is third with 3.9%. But there are also those who are struggling with much higher levels. Finland leads with 10%, followed by Spain with 9.8%. France and Greece are both at 7.7%.
Youth unemployment: Still a problem
Unfortunately, not everything is rosy. In January 2026, nearly 3 million young people under 25 in the EU were unemployed, with 2.3 million of them in the Eurozone. Youth unemployment in the EU is 15.1%, which is a slight decrease compared to 15.2% in December 2025. In the Eurozone, a value of 14.8% was reported, slightly better than 15.0% a month earlier.
Regarding the month, unemployed youth decreased by 27 thousand in the EU and the Eurozone. On an annual basis, however, the picture is a little more complex. In the EU, there is a decrease of 27 thousand young people without work, while in the Eurozone there is an increase of 12 thousand.
Is it worth celebrating?
Yes, the data from January are good news for Bulgaria. Low unemployment is an indicator of stability and potential economic growth. But let's not forget that the numbers are only part of the story. What will happen with youth unemployment? How will membership in the Eurozone affect Bulgarian businesses? There are still many questions to which we must seek answers.