175,000 young workers leave southern Italy

Between 2021 and 2024, Southern Italy created over 500,000 new jobs, yet 175,000 young people emigrated, raising concerns about the region’s future workforce.

The Mezzogiorno has experienced an unprecedented rise in employment, particularly among young workers, driven by incentives such as the Superbonus and the PNRR infrastructure plan. The region is expected to maintain stronger GDP growth than the Center-North, with projections of +0.7% in 2025 and +0.9% in 2026.

Despite these gains, structural challenges persist. Real wages in the South have fallen by over 10% since 2021, and female labor participation remains low, particularly among mothers of three, at just 30%.

External risks also threaten the region’s economic momentum. U.S. tariffs could put more than 13,000 export-related jobs at risk, highlighting the South’s dependence on international markets.

Experts warn that while the Mezzogiorno’s short-term growth is promising, the ongoing emigration of skilled young workers may limit its long-term productive capacity and competitiveness.