COMPARISON OF UNEMPLOYMENT IN POLAND AND SLOVAKIA

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare unemployment trends in Poland and Slovakia between 2024 and 2025, using both registered and harmonized (Eurostat/ILO) indicators. Methods: Monthly data from December 2024 to July 2025 were collected from the Polish Central Statistical Office (GUS), the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, the Slovak Labour Office, and Eurostat. Both national and harmonized unemployment rates were analyzed to identify trends and differences. Results: Poland exhibited lower harmonized unemployment rates (2.6–3.0%) compared to Slovakia (5.0–5.5%), while registered rates were similar (5.1–5.4% for both countries). Trends were stable, with minor monthly fluctuations. The gap between registered and harmonized rates highlights methodological differences, while cross-country differences reflect stronger labor market performance in Poland. Discussion: Differences are influenced by economic structure, labor mobility, and regional disparities. Harmonized data suggest Poland has higher labor market absorption and lower structural unemployment. Conclusion: Poland showed lower harmonized unemployment than Slovakia, despite similar registered rates. The study emphasizes the importance of harmonized measures for cross-country labor market analysis.