Cyprus has recorded a 0.4% increase in its employment rate between the last quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest Eurostat data. This growth places Cyprus among the top performers in the European Union, alongside Belgium, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Sweden, each recording the same rate of increase.

Italy led the EU with a 0.5% rise in employment, while the overall EU employment rate for individuals aged 20-64 inched up to 76.3%. Employment improved in 11 EU countries, remained stable in six, but declined in 10, notably in Latvia and Ireland. The labour market slack in the EU, reflecting unmet demand for employment, slightly decreased to 10.9% in early 2026, showing gradual improvement.