Turkey Leads Europe in Youth NEET Rate at 25.9%

According to Eurostat’s 2024 data, 25.9% of young people aged 15–29 in Turkey are not in education, employment, or training (NEET)—the highest rate among European countries. This means one in four Turkish youths are disengaged from both the labor market and the education system, highlighting deep-rooted socioeconomic and gender disparities.

Turkey Tops NEET Rankings in Europe

While Turkey’s NEET rate has slowly declined from 27.9% in 2015, it peaked during the pandemic at 32% in 2020. Since then, only a modest improvement has been recorded, with the figure now at 25.9%, which still more than doubles the EU average of 11%.

In contrast, EU nations like Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Ireland have already met the EU’s 2030 target of reducing NEET rates to below 9%. Turkey, meanwhile, remains significantly behind.

Young Women Face Higher NEET Risk

Gender inequality plays a major role in Turkey’s NEET crisis. Among those aged 25–29, young women are 2 to 3 times more likely to be NEET than men. Factors contributing to this disparity include:

• Traditional gender roles

• Childcare and household responsibilities

• Limited access to education and employment opportunities

These patterns underline persistent structural barriers that prevent young women from participating equally in public and economic life.

Rural vs. Urban Divide Widens Gap

Rural areas face significantly higher NEET rates compared to urban centers. Weaker educational infrastructure and scarce job opportunities leave many young people in small towns and villages without viable paths forward. In contrast, urban youth benefit from better access to both schools and the job market.

Education Level Is a Key Factor

The risk of falling into the NEET category is directly tied to education level. According to Eurostat:

• Primary or lower secondary graduates face NEET rates up to 30%

• University graduates have NEET rates around 7–8%

Prolonged engagement in education enhances not only employability but also access to retraining opportunities, reducing the risk of youth exclusion.

Urgency for Policy Intervention

As Europe moves forward, Turkey’s NEET figures paint a troubling picture of youth disengagement, gender inequality, and rural disadvantage. Experts warn that unless targeted reforms in education, gender policy, and regional development are implemented, Turkey’s younger generation may continue to be sidelined.