Serbia records one of Europe's longest average work weeks, Eurostat data shows

Eurostat's 2025 labour market report indicates the average weekly working time in the European Union fell to 35.9 hours, down from 36.9 hours in 2015. Serbia's average work week stood at 40.6 hours, placing it among the longest in Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina logged 40.9 hours and Turkey 42.4 hours, while Greece recorded 39.6 hours. The shortest weeks were in the Netherlands at 31.9 hours, followed by Denmark, Germany and Austria with roughly 34 hours.

The data highlight a pattern where more affluent Western European economies tend to have shorter work weeks without sacrificing productivity, as exemplified by the Netherlands. In contrast, the Balkan region continues to exhibit longer working hours, raising questions about labour market reforms and work‑life balance in those countries.