Nominal changes in national minimum wages, January 2024 to January 2025, and annual inflation, December 2023 to December 2024, EU Member States (%)

Living and working in Europe 2024 provides a snapshot of Eurofound’s key research findings on the changing nature of work and life across the EU. Labour and skills shortages continued to dominate policy debates, as structural issues linked to demographic shifts, poor job quality and the demands of the green and digital transitions intensified recruitment challenges. The report examines how the cost-of-living crisis has persisted – despite easing inflation – and continues to affect households across income levels. It also explores the ongoing housing crisis, which is delaying key life transitions for young people and contributing to growing social inequality. Meanwhile, access to social protection remains uneven, particularly for unemployed and self-employed workers. Eurofound’s latest survey data also reveal a decline in remote work opportunities, despite worker preferences for hybrid arrangements. The report also highlights declining trust in institutions, closely linked to financial insecurity. Taken together, the findings capture the challenges and opportunities of this period of profound transition, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, evidence-based policymaking to support a fair and sustainable Europe.

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