Poland remains among the countries of the European Union with the lowest unemployment rate. In July 2026, the rate according to Eurostat methodology was 3.4% and remained unchanged compared to June. The only lower rate was recorded in the Czech Republic. This is reported by InPoland.
According to Eurostat, in July, 598 thousand people remained unemployed in Poland. In June, their number was 608 thousand, meaning that in one month, the number of unemployed decreased by 10 thousand.
In July 2026, Poland was second only to the Czech Republic in terms of unemployment
The lowest unemployment rate among EU countries in July was recorded in the Czech Republic - 3.3%. Poland, with a rate of 3.4%, took second place. The third position was shared by Malta and Slovenia - both at 3.5%.
The average unemployment rate in the European Union was 6.1%. Thus, the Polish figure was almost half the average in the EU.
The most challenging situation was observed in Finland, where unemployment reached 10.5%, and in Spain - 10%. In Sweden, the rate was 8.6%, while in France, it was 8.3%.
Why the unemployment data in Poland in 2026 differs
Polish official statistics show a higher unemployment rate. The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy estimated the July figure at 5.9%, while the Central Statistical Office of Poland (GUS) later reported 5.8%.
According to GUS, in July, Polish employment offices registered 906.4 thousand unemployed compared to 901.5 thousand in June.
The difference is explained by the methodology of calculation. Eurostat considers people who do not have a job, are actively looking for one, and are ready to work. Polish registered unemployment statistics also cover people registered with employment offices. Some of them register, in particular, to gain access to health insurance.
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