Germany leads the EU with the highest proportion of older workers, driven by an ageing population and later retirement ages.
FRANKFURT: Germany has the oldest working population in the European Union, according to official data published on Tuesday.
Figures from Eurostat show 24% of employed people in Germany are aged between 55 and 64, the highest share in the bloc.
The EU average for this age group in employment is 20%.
Italy follows Germany at 23%, with Bulgaria at 22.3%, while Malta has the lowest proportion at just 11%.
A key reason for Germany’s older workforce is its ageing population.
People are also retiring later on average.
Data from the German Pension Insurance Fund shows the average retirement age in 2024 was 64.7, up from 63 two decades ago.
The statutory retirement age has been gradually raised and early retirement schemes have been phased out.
This demographic shift poses a serious economic challenge, increasing reliance on foreign skilled workers to fill vacancies.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s administration has introduced an “active retirement” scheme to incentivise longer careers.
Employees who continue working beyond the statutory retirement age can benefit from €2,000 (US$2,361) tax-free per month.
