Dominance of Services and Large Enterprises: An In-Depth Analysis of the EU Business Landscape in 2023

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 14, 2025

The European Union’s business environment in 2023 demonstrates a complex and dynamic economic ecosystem, where a broad array of enterprises drive significant economic value. Recent data from Eurostat reveals a diverse business structure that underscores the enduring dominance of service-based operations and the pivotal role played by large firms.

Robust Economic Metrics and Business Structure

According to Eurostat, the EU’s business economy comprised approximately 33.1 million enterprises, which collectively employed 162.2 million individuals. These enterprises achieved a net turnover exceeding €38.5 trillion and contributed €10.5 trillion in value added. The figures highlight not only the breadth of the European business landscape but also its immense capacity for generating economic value.

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Enterprise Size and Economic Contributions

The analysis delineates the significant economic distinctions among large enterprises, medium-sized companies, and micro to small businesses. Large enterprises—defined as those employing more than 249 people—account for a mere 0.2% of all EU businesses, yet they employ 37% of the workforce and generate nearly half (49%) of the total value added. In contrast, medium-sized businesses, with 50 to 249 employees, represent 0.8% of enterprises, employing 15% of the labor force and contributing 16% to value added. Micro and small enterprises, which make up 99% of all businesses and employ up to 49 people, remain indispensable, employing 48% of the labor force and delivering 35% of the total value added.

Sectoral Contributions: Services, Industry, Trade, and Construction

Among the sectors analyzed, the services industry emerges as the leading contributor, accounting for 49% of the value added while employing 52% of the workforce and encompassing 63% of all enterprises. The industrial sector, although comprising only 7% of businesses, contributes 29% of the value added and engages approximately 21% of the employed labor force. In the trade sector, 18% of businesses drive 15% of the value added and 18% of employment, while construction, representing 12% of all enterprises, contributes 7% of the overall value added and employs 9% of the workforce.

Conclusion

The recent findings from Eurostat underscore the significant economic role of services and the disproportionate influence of large enterprises within the EU business ecosystem. This nuanced breakdown not only aids in understanding current economic trends but also offers strategic insights for policymakers and business leaders navigating the complexities of the European market.

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Strained Household Finances: Eurostat Data Reveals Persistent Payment Delays Across Europe and in Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 22, 2025

Improved Financial Resilience Amid Ongoing Strains

Over the past decade, Cypriot households have significantly increased their ability to manage debts—not only bank loans but also rent and utility bills. However, recent Eurostat data indicates that Cyprus continues to lag behind the European average when it comes to covering financial obligations on time.

Household Coping Strategies and the Limits of Payment Flexibility

While many families are managing their fixed expenses with relative ease, one in three Cypriots struggles to cover unexpected costs. This delicate balancing act highlights how routine payments such as mortgage installments, rent, and utility bills are met, but precariously so, with little room for unplanned financial shocks.

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Breaking Down Payment Delays Across the European Union

Eurostat reports that nearly 9.2% of the EU population experienced delays with their housing loans, rent, utility bills, or installment payments in 2024. The situation is more acute among vulnerable groups: 17.2% of individuals in single-parent households with dependent children and 16.6% in households with two adults managing three or more dependents faced payment delays. In every EU nation, single-parent households exhibited higher delay rates compared to the overall population.

Cyprus in the Crosshairs: High Rates of Financial Delays

Although Cyprus recorded a notable 19.1 percentage point improvement from 2015 to 2024 in delays related to mortgages, rent, and utility bills, the island nation still ranks among the top five countries with the highest delay rates. As of 2024, 12.5% of the Cypriot population had outstanding housing loans or rent and overdue utility bills. In contrast, Greece tops the list with 42.8%, followed by Bulgaria (18.7%), Romania (15.3%), Spain (14.2%), and other EU members. Notably, 19 out of 27 EU countries reported delay rates below 10%, with Czech Republic (3.4%) and Netherlands (3.9%) leading the pack.

Selective Improvements and Emerging Concerns

Between 2015 and 2024, the overall EU population saw a 2.6 percentage point decline in payment delays. Despite this, certain countries experienced increases: Luxembourg (+3.3 percentage points), Spain (+2.5 percentage points), and Germany (+2.0 percentage points) saw a rise in payment delays, reflecting underlying economic pressures that continue to challenge financial stability.

Economic Insecurity and the Unprepared for Emergencies

Another critical indicator explored by Eurostat is the prevalence of economic insecurity—the proportion of the population unable to handle unexpected financial expenses. In 2024, 30% of the EU population reported being unable to cover unforeseen costs, a modest improvement of 1.2 percentage points from 2023 and a significant 7.4 percentage point drop compared to a decade ago. In Cyprus, while 34.8% still report difficulty handling emergencies, this marks a drastic improvement from 2015, when the figure stood at 60.5%.

A Broader EU Perspective

Importantly, no EU country in 2024 had more than half of its population facing economic insecurity—a notable improvement from 2015, when over 50% of the population in nine countries reported such challenges. These figures underscore both progress and persistent vulnerabilities within European households, urging policymakers to consider targeted measures for enhancing financial resilience.

For further insights and detailed analysis, refer to the original reports on Philenews and Housing Loans.

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