Brussels, 01/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - In December 2005, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate stood at 8.4% in the euro zone, compared to 8.3% in November (8.8% in December 2005), and at 8.5% in the EU of 25, unchanged from November (9% in December 2005), Eurostat announced on 1 February. The lowest rates were to be found in Ireland (4.3%), Denmark (4.4%), the Netherlands (4.7%), the United Kingdom (4.9% in October), and Austria (5.2%). The highest were registered in Poland (17.2%), Slovakia (16.1%) Greece (10.1% in the third quarter of 2005), Germany (9.5%) and France (9.2%). The highest relative decreases were in Lithuania (10.2% - 6.8%), Estonia (8.7% - 6.7%), Spain (from 10.3% to 8.5%), Latvia (10% - 8.3%), and Denmark (5.2% - 4.4%). The greatest increases: Luxembourg (5% -5 .6%), Hungary (6.6% - 7.3%), the United Kingdom (4.6% in October 2004, 4.9% in October 2005), Portugal (7.1% - 7.5%). According to Eurostat, in December 2005, there were 12.2 million unemployed men and 18.6 million unemployed women in the EU.
In annual terms, the unemployment rate fell for men from 7.6% to 7.2% (euro zone) and from 8.1% to 7.6% (EU25), and for women, from 10.3% 9.9% (euro zone) and from 10.1% 9.7% (EU25).
In December 2005, the unemployment rate for those aged less than 25 years stood at 17.6% in the euro zone (18.2% in December 2004) and that 18.4% in the EU25 (18.8% in December 2004). The lowest rates: the Netherlands (8.1%), Denmark (8.2%), Ireland (8.5%). The highest: Poland (35.5%), Slovakia (30.4%), Greece (26.8% in the third quarter). For further information: carsten.olsson@cec.eu.int.