European Jobless Rates Show North-South Rift

Unemployment in the euro zone hit 12% in February 2013, its highest level since the creation of the euro, according to data released on the 2 April 2013. It provided further evidence that the debt crisis has driven a wedge between the stable north and the struggling south in the 17-member currency bloc.

• Primary Source

Eurostat: Press Release, No.50, 2013 (02.04.13): February 2013 Euro area unemployment rate at 12.0% EU27 at 10.9% http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STAT-13-50_en.pdf

ESO: Background information: EU Employment and Social Situation: Quarterly Review analyses deepening social crisis http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-employment-and-social-situation-quarterly-review-analyses-deepening-social-crisis/

EUObserver, 03.04.13: Unemployment figures show EU's north-south divide http://euobserver.com/economic/119663

EurActiv, 03.04.13: Commission: Soaring unemployment is ‘a tragedy for Europe’ http://www.euractiv.com/socialeurope/commission-calls-eu-unemployment-news-518852

Spiegel Online, 03.04.13: World from Berlin: 'Germany Isn't Living Up to EU Responsibility' http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-review-on-rise-in-european-unemployment-a-892305.html

EUObserver, 26.04.13: Poor pay: the flipside of Germany's low unemployment http://euobserver.com/social/119954

Blog: Social Europe Journal, 25.04.13: Europe’s Unemployment Problem – Perhaps Half As Big Again http://www.social-europe.eu/2013/04/europes-unemployment-problem-perhaps-half-as-big-again/

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