According to Eurostat, the European Union (EU) is home to approximately 80 million high-skilled workers, representing 44% of the workforce aged between 25 and 64. These workers include managers, technicians, and employees who rely on specialized knowledge and expertise to earn a living.
Urban Hubs Lead in Talent Attraction
European capital and urban regions have the highest percentage of highly skilled workers. These areas offer strong economic opportunities, advanced infrastructure, and better living conditions, making them attractive to professionals.
Among the top regions, Stockholm in Sweden holds the highest share of highly skilled workers, accounting for 74% of its workforce. It is followed by Utrecht in the Netherlands with 69%, Luxembourg at 67%, and Belgium’s Brabant Wallon, Copenhagen, and Prague, each with around 66%.
Rural and Former Industrial Regions Lag Behind
In contrast, rural regions and former industrial centers have the lowest percentage of highly skilled workers. Many of these areas struggle with economic stagnation and lack the opportunities that urban centers provide.
There are 24 regions across the EU where highly skilled workers make up less than a third of total employment. These areas are primarily located in southeastern European countries, including Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria.
The lowest shares of highly skilled workers were recorded in Greece’s Sterea Elláda (21.8%) and the Ionian Islands (22.3%), as well as Romania’s Sud-Muntenia region (22.8%).
Northern European capital regions dominate the rankings for attracting high-skilled professionals, while southeastern European regions face challenges in retaining and attracting talent. The gap between urban and rural areas highlights the need for policies that promote education, innovation, and job opportunities across all regions to ensure balanced economic growth in the EU.
The Information is Collected MSN and Euronews.
