The Shift in European Working Hours: What’s Behind the Decline?

by News Editor

June 16, 2025

Over the last decade, workers across Europe have seen a gradual reduction in weekly working hours. On average, the EU has experienced a drop of one hour per week, amplifying to more than an hour in nearly half of its 34 nations.

Where Do Europeans Work the Longest?

According to recent data, countries in Southern and Eastern Europe endure the longest workweeks. Turkey leads at 43.1 hours, followed by Serbia and Bosnia. In contrast, nations like the Netherlands exhibit significantly shorter working weeks, highlighting strong labor protections.

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Decadal Shifts in Working Times

From 2014 to 2024, only four countries witnessed an uptick in working hours, with Serbia marking a rise of 1.7 hours. Meanwhile, Iceland and Turkey underwent the steepest declines, exceeding three hours.

Why Are Working Hours Declining?

Declines are closely tied to increased part-time work and greater female workforce participation, with many opting for flexible hours. A study mentioned by the ECB attributes this decline to technological advancements and voluntary part-time employment. Seeking a balance between life and work reflects increased income levels and a diminishing drive to clock in longer hours.

These dynamic factors reshape Europe’s labor markets, marking a cultural and economic shift.

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EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 15, 2025

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

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National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.

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