In the first quarter of 2018, the vacancy rate in the euro area increased to 2.1% from 2% in the previous quarter, Eurostat reported. The indicator in the European Union was 2.2%, increased compared to 2% a quarter earlier. In industry and construction of the euro area, the vacancy rate was 1.9%, in the service sector - 2.4%; in the EU - 2% and 2.4% respectively. The highest vacancy rate in the first quarter was shown by the Czech Republic – 4.8%, and Belgium - 3.5%. The lowest rates were recorded in Greece - 0.7%, Spain and Portugal - 0.9%. In annual terms, the vacancy rate increased in 16 countries. The decrease was recorded in Greece - by 0.3%, Estonia – by 0.2%, Malta and Romania - by 0.1%.