What the European Youth Week 2026 kick-off revealed On 24 April 2026, the European Parliament hosted the official launch of the European Youth Week, bringing together policymakers, youth representatives and organisations from across Europe in what was intended to be a space for dialogue, reflection and renewed commitment to youth participation. JEUNE was present in…
New data published by Eurostat shows that a little over half of young people in the European Union are working in jobs that match their level and field of education. In 2024, 56.4% of young people aged 15–34 with medium or high levels of education reported a strong match between their qualifications and their current…
New data published by Eurostat outlines a mixed outlook for the European business environment at the end of 2025, with a modest increase in company registrations alongside a continued rise in bankruptcies. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the number of newly registered businesses in the European Union increased by 0.5% compared to the previous…
Retail trade volumes in the European Union declined at the end of 2025, pointing to weaker consumer demand across the Single Market. In December 2025, retail trade decreased by 0.5% in both the euro area and the EU compared to the previous month, reversing the modest growth recorded in November. Despite the monthly decline, the…
More than half of enterprises in the European Union are now using paid cloud computing services, highlighting the rapid digital transformation of businesses across the Single Market. In 2025, 52.7% of EU enterprises reported using paid cloud services, representing a significant increase of 7.4 percentage points compared to 2023. The growth is even more notable…
New data from Eurostat shows significant differences in minimum wage levels across the European Union, despite gradual convergence when adjusted for living costs. As of January 2026, 22 out of 27 EU countries have a national minimum wage, with five countries still relying on collective agreements instead. Minimum wages vary widely across Member States. In…
SMEunited has called on EU policymakers to ensure that the proposed Taxation Omnibus initiative delivers real simplification and clarity for SMEs, highlighting the need to reduce administrative burdens and improve legal certainty across the European Union. The European Commission’s proposal, adopted as part of its broader effort to modernise and streamline the EU tax framework,…
The use of artificial intelligence among European businesses is growing rapidly, but significant differences remain across Member States. In 2025, 20% of EU enterprises with at least 10 employees reported using AI technologies, marking a strong increase compared to previous years. The share has risen from 13.5% in 2024 and from below 10% just a…
Demand for workers in several key occupations has increased across the European Union, reflecting changing labour market needs and growing skills shortages. According to Eurostat data, some of the most in-demand roles in 2024 were found in sectors such as manufacturing, construction, transport and health services, where employers continue to face difficulties in filling positions.…
New data from Eurostat shows that both business registrations and bankruptcies increased in the European Union in the third quarter of 2025, highlighting a mixed but dynamic business environment. In Q3 2025, the number of business registrations rose by 4.0% compared to the previous quarter, continuing the upward trend in entrepreneurial activity. At the same…