Italy is the EU Member State where people work the least: almost 33 years compared to over 37 years

Brussels – In Italy, people do not work much, less than in the rest of the European Union. The working age is “only” 32.8 years, and is the second lowest in the EU, after Bulgaria (32.7 years). In short, judging by the data provided by Eurostat relating to 2024, men and women in Italy come off almost as ‘slackers’, especially when compared to systems in countries such as Sweden and the Netherlands, where it is necessary to wait 43 years of work or more (43 and 43.8 years respectively) before being able to enjoy a pension. 

Yes, retirement. With these kinds of figures, it could almost be tempting for national policymakers to raise the retirement age further to come closer to the European average, because, looking at European Statistical Institute figures, in Italy, people work almost five years less than the average (37.2 years). Moreover, the European Commission has already suggested leaving the labour market later to respond to the problem of an ageing population. 

A general and generalized pension reform has taken effect, as the average working age has already increased. In the EU, from 2020 to 2024, it increased from 35.6 years to 37.2 years, with continuous and steady yearly growth. The same applies to Italy, which indeed remains at the bottom of the list in terms of working life cycle, but if in 2024 this lasted 32.8 years, in 2020 it was even shorter (31.2). “In the last 10 years, the average expected length of working life in the EU has increased by 2.4 years,” Eurostat said. In short, the well-known saying ‘live to work’ is increasingly becoming the new motto for the EU.