A worker operates a crane in Madrid, Spain, July 24, 2025. Spain has achieved a historic milestone in employment, with more people working than ever before, according to data released Thursday by the National Statistics Institute (INE). (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

MADRID, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Spain has achieved a historic milestone in employment, with more people working than ever before, according to data released Thursday by the National Statistics Institute (INE).

The latest Economically Active Population Survey reveals that nearly 22.27 million people were employed at the end of the second quarter of 2025 -- an increase of 503,300 from the previous quarter and 584,000 more than in June 2024.

Unemployment declined by 236,100 to 2.55 million. This brings the national jobless rate down to 10.29 percent, the lowest level since the global financial crisis of 2008. Spain's population currently stands at 49 million, according to INE.

"For the first time, we have more than 22 million people working," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote on social media. "The Spanish economy is advancing strongly, and it's doing so by creating quality jobs."

Minister for Economy, Commerce and Business Carlos Cuerpo noted that 68.3 percent of the working-age population is now employed -- the highest rate ever recorded in the country. He highlighted that Spain's employment rate has risen by more than 0.6 percent for three consecutive quarters, signaling "strong momentum in the labor market."

Traditionally, hiring in Spain accelerates in the second quarter with the start of the tourist season. This year, employment growth was further boosted by the timing of the Easter holiday, which fell in April.

The service sector led job creation, accounting for 364,800 of the new positions, or seven out of every 10, compared to the previous quarter. Industry added 90,300 jobs, construction contributed 45,000, and agriculture added 2,800.

Spain's gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to grow by 2.5 percent in 2025. By comparison, the European Commission's Spring 2025 Economic Forecast projects GDP growth of 1.1 percent for the European Union as a whole, and 0.9 percent for the euro area. ■

A waiter cleans a table in Madrid, Spain, July 24, 2025. Spain has achieved a historic milestone in employment, with more people working than ever before, according to data released Thursday by the National Statistics Institute (INE). (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

A street cleaner is on duty in Madrid, Spain, July 24, 2025. Spain has achieved a historic milestone in employment, with more people working than ever before, according to data released Thursday by the National Statistics Institute (INE). (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

A gas cylinder delivery worker is on duty in Madrid, Spain, July 24, 2025. Spain has achieved a historic milestone in employment, with more people working than ever before, according to data released Thursday by the National Statistics Institute (INE). (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)