Finland unemployment rate has climbed to the highest level in the European Union, marking a rare and uncomfortable position for a country long associated with labour market stability.
According to newly released Eurostat figures, Finland recorded a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 10.6 percent in November 2025. This places the country ahead of Spain, which reported a rate of 10.4 percent, while Sweden followed behind at 9.1 percent.
For Finland, the figure represents more than a monthly fluctuation. It is the highest unemployment rate the country has seen in nearly 15 years, signaling a deeper shift in the Nordic labour landscape.
Nordic labour markets face growing pressure
The latest data highlights a broader trend across Northern Europe. Nordic economies, traditionally known for lower joblessness and strong employment protections, are now seeing unemployment rise at a faster pace than many southern European states.
In contrast, several countries in Southern Europe are showing modest but steady improvements, reversing patterns that dominated much of the past decade.
Eurostat calculates unemployment as the share of jobless individuals within the labour force aged 15 to 74, with seasonal factors such as summer employment removed to allow clearer comparisons across countries.
Why Finland unemployment is rising despite job growth
Finland unemployment has increased even as employment numbers show limited growth. Over the past year, the number of people in work rose by approximately 25,000, but this increase has not been enough to absorb the surge in new jobseekers entering the market.
Finland has attracted more jobseekers from both within the country and abroad. At the same time, job creation has slowed, particularly in sectors sensitive to economic uncertainty, higher interest rates, and reduced private investment.
The result is a widening gap between the number of people looking for work and the number of available positions. This imbalance has pushed the unemployment rate upward, even as employment figures rise on paper.
Structural shifts in the Finnish labour market
Economists note that the situation reflects structural changes rather than a short-term shock. Demographic shifts, migration patterns, and changing skills demand are reshaping Finland’s labour market.
While some industries continue to hire, many positions require specialized skills that do not always match the profiles of new jobseekers. This mismatch has become more visible as economic growth remains sluggish.
If job creation does not accelerate in the coming months, Finland unemployment is likely to remain elevated well into 2026, placing continued pressure on public finances and social support systems.
