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Topics: Social issues

  • Eurofound Talks: Has Europe failed its youth?

    In a new episode of Eurofound Talks Mary McCaughey speaks with Eurofound researchers Eszter Sandor and Massimiliano Mascherini about the situation for young people in Europe, from the impacts of the economic crisis and Great Recession to the aftermath COVID-19 pandemic and voting trends in the recent European Parliament elections.

  • One in five adults in their early thirties still live with their parents

    Eurofound's new report explores young people’s wishes and plans for the future in the context of the current labour market and housing situation. It finds that, while there are positive signs for young people in terms of employment, many young people in Europe find themselves locked out of the housing market and unable to establish the independence required to have families of their own.

  • 2023 was a good year to be working in Europe

    Eurofound’s 2023 yearbook, Living and working in Europe, provides a snapshot of the latest developments in the work and lives of Europeans as explored in the Agency’s research activities over the course of the year.

  • Eurofound Talks: Can Europe deliver for its children?

    In this episode of Eurofound Talks Mary McCaughey speaks with Eurofound Research Manager Daniel Molinuevo about the European Child Guarantee, how bad the situation is with regards to child poverty and social exclusion, what Member States have committed to doing about it, what the implications are for workers and civil society, and what prospects there are for the future.

  • Unemployed people and those residing in rural areas much less likely to vote

    Unemployment is a predominant catalyst for lower political engagement in Europe, with the higher the unemployment rate, the higher the levels of non-voting. This was particularly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic with the unemployed, as well as those residing in rural and disadvantaged areas, much less likely to vote.

  • Almost half of trainees in the EU do not receive compensation

    Only 54% of traineeships or apprenticeships in the EU receive compensation, according to Eurofound data published in a new report by the European Court of Auditors on participation, quality and outcomes of traineeships in the 27 EU Member States. The report highlights the need to improve the quality of traineeship offerings, including learning support and the possibility of obtaining new skills.

  • Ukrainians in EU have found temporary jobs but struggle to access public services

    Linguistic similarities, high levels of education, labour market shortages, the mobilisation of national and EU resources, civil society involvement, and close cultural ties have helped Ukrainian refugees to find temporary employment in the EU and Norway. However, there remain barriers in accessing longer-term employment and public services, in particular housing.

  • Tackling the gender pay and employment gaps

    In a new episode of Eurofound Talks, recorded for International Women’s Day 2024, Mary McCaughey speaks with Eurofound researchers Carlos Vacas and Barbara Gerstenberger about the gender pay and employment gaps in Europe.

  • Season’s Greetings 2023

    During the year, Eurofound has continued to provide you with research findings and data on issues ranging from hybrid work, teleworking and the right to disconnect, and platform work, to care and healthcare, gender equality, minimum wages, persistent labour market imbalances, and growing inequalities, among others.

  • How will Europe's green transition impact employment?

    In the latest episode of Eurofound Talks Mary McCaughey speaks with Eurofound Senior Research Manager John Hurley about new research which shows a marginal increase in net employment from EU decarbonisation measures, but also potentially broad shifts in the labour market that could have a profound impact in several areas.

  • Rural communities feel sidelined as income gap with urban areas increases by 19% over a decade

    The rural–urban income gap has increased by nearly 20% over the past decade, with higher incomes in urban areas than in rural areas. This, alongside the employment gap and the relatively poorer provision of public services in rural areas has contributed to a rise in rural communities expressing feelings of being mistreated, disrespected or ignored by their government.

  • World Mental Health Day

    Today is World Mental Health Day, an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.

  • Job insecurity undermines democracy

    Workers on non-permanent contracts and workers with no formal contract are less satisfied with the functioning of democracy in their country, as are workers experiencing job insecurity.

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