In Italy, unemployment has dropped to 5.6%, the lowest figure since ISTAT records began in 2004. In the European Union, unemployment remained unchanged at 5.9% in December, consistent with November 2025 and December 2024. While Italy has improved its unemployment rate, it ranks fourth-to-last in the EU in terms of youth unemployment: the eurozone average is 14.3% (down from 14.4%), while the EU-27 average is 14.7% (down from 14.9%). "More positive news on the employment front", said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. "The ISTAT numbers for December show a clear trend: the unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest level since the beginning of historical data, while the number of employed individuals is expanding on an annual basis. This is the proper direction: more jobs, greater stability, and more opportunity. We shall continue down this route". Labor Minister Marina Calderone also emphasized the unemployment and employment figures, which, in comparison to 2024, "have increased, primarily thanks to permanent and self-employed workers, while the number of fixed-term employees has decreased", adding that "the goal is to increasingly encourage women and young people to access employment".