- Current Snapshot (Mid-2025)
- As of June 2025, Bulgaria’s youth unemployment rate (ages 15–24) stood at approximately 10.5%, up slightly from 9.9% in May 2025. Trading Economics+3Youthpolicy.org+3Eulerpool Research Systems+3Trading Economics+2Eulerpool Research Systems+2
- This figure remains far below the long-term average of around 20–21%. YChartsTheGlobalEconomy.com
- Recent Developments (2024–2025)
- For the full year 2024, the annual average youth unemployment was approximately 12.137% (World Bank/FRED data), showing a decline from 12.048% in 2023. Trading Economics+7FRED+7TheGlobalEconomy.com+7
- According to Bulgaria’s National Statistical Institute (via CEIC), a quarterly snapshot for December 2024 reported a youth unemployment rate of 9.8%, down from 11.8% in September 2024. CEIC Data
- Historical Context
- Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, youth unemployment in Bulgaria was alarmingly high, peaking at over 39% in the early 2000s and averaging above 20% for a prolonged period. Youthpolicy.org+3TheGlobalEconomy.com+3Trading Economics+3
- A notable low occurred around 2019, when the rate dropped to approximately 8.9%. TheGlobalEconomy.com
- Broader Labor Market Landscape (2024)
- In 2024, the overall unemployment rate (ages 15–64) was around 4.2%, while the youth segment (15–24) experienced a significantly higher rate at 12.3%. НСИ – Национален статистически институт
- Disparities by Education, Location, and Demographics
- Education Level:
- Lower secondary education — unemployment tends to be higher, with rates around 12.6%.
- Primary education or less — markedly elevated at 24.0%. НСИ – Национален статистически институт
- Urban vs. rural:
- Rural areas face tougher conditions: overall unemployment rates reach 7.5%, whereas urban areas are closer to 3.2%. Youth in rural regions are disproportionately affected. FRED+11НСИ – Национален статистически институт+11en.wikipedia.org+11
- Ethnic and social inclusion:
- For young Roma aged 16–24, unemployment exceeds 65%, compared to around 55% for Roma overall—highlighting stark disparities. European Commission
- Broader Impacts & Underlying Trends
- High youth unemployment and limited opportunities contribute to emigration, particularly following Bulgaria’s EU accession in 2007—many young, educated Bulgarians have sought work abroad. en.wikipedia.org
- While not all NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates are current, they were notably higher than the EU average prior to 2020—indicating concerns over youth disengagement from both work and study. European Commission
Summary Table
| Period | Youth Unemployment Rate (15–24) | Notes |
| June 2025 | ~10.5% | Slight rise from May 2025 (9.9%) |
| December 2024 (quarterly) | 9.8% | Down from 11.8% in Sep 2024 |
| 2024 (annual average) | ~12.1% | Continued downward trend from previous years |
| Long-term historical | ~20–39% (1990s–2000s) | Sharp drop over decades |
| Lowest recent (~2019) | ~8.9% | One of the most favorable readings in recent years |
Youth Unemployment Facts — Bulgaria
Key Employment Statistics (Source: Eurostat & National Statistical Institute, 2025)
- Youth unemployment rate (ages 15–24): 10.5% (June 2025)
- NEET rate (Not in Employment, Education, or Training): 13.8% (Eurostat, 2024)
Why This Matters for COOPOWER
High youth unemployment highlights the need for social innovation and inclusive economic models. COOPOWER focuses on Priority Area 9: People and Skills, helping young people gain access to sustainable employment, upskilling opportunities, and entrepreneurial pathways.
Our Role
Through collaborative initiatives, we support young people in Bulgaria by creating training programs, promoting entrepreneurship, and building stronger connections between education and the labor market.
Consortium Quote — Why COOPOWER?
“COOPOWER gives young people the tools, opportunities, and community support they need to unlock their potential. By working together, we can create innovative pathways to employment and ensure no one is left behind.”