Wouter Beke· PPE

False

One million jobs have been lost in the past four years

Error detected

The claim states 1 million jobs were lost, but Eurostat data shows employment has been steadily increasing, reaching record highs in 2024 and 2025

Total employment in Q4 2025 was 198.1 million persons with an employment rate of 76.3%, up from 76.2% in Q3 2025, showing continuous growth

Omissions

• The MEP's claim contradicts official data which shows a consistent upward trend in EU employment rates from 2022-2025
• The employment rate increased from 75.8% in 2024 to 76.3% in Q4 2025, indicating continued job creation rather than job losses

Sources

• PrimaryEurostat - EU labour market quarterly statisticsIn Q4 2025, 198.1 million persons in the EU were employed. The EU seasonally adjusted employment rate for people aged 20-64 years stood at 76.3%, up from 76.2% in Q3 2025
• PrimaryEurostat - Employment annual statisticsThe employment rate has moved steadily closer to the EU target, increasing from 70.9% in 2017 to 75.8% in 2024. The EU employment rate was 75.8% in 2024
• PrimaryEurostat News - Employment rate up in Q4 2025In the fourth quarter of 2025, the employment rate of people aged 20-64 in the EU stood at 76.3%, up from 76.2% in the third quarter of 2025
• PrimaryEuropean Commission - Employment and Social Developments in Europe 2025In 2024, the EU reached a historically high employment rate of 75.8%