In the EU, the total rate fell to 9.5% in July, its lowest since June 2011; while in the euro area, the rate fell to 10.9%, its lowest level since February 2012. Compared to a year ago, the number of people unemployed has fallen by 1.6 million in the EU and by 1.1 million in the euro area.

These headline figures mask significant differences between Member States: unemployment rates were lowest in Germany (4.7%), the Czech Republic and Malta (both 5.1%); and highest in Greece (25% in May) and Spain (22.2%).