in-cyprus 23 July 2025
Cyprus is the European country with the most public holidays, boasting 15 days, according to data from European employment services, analysed by Euronews.
Following Cyprus with 15 days, Bulgaria, Croatia, Iceland, Malta, and Spain each observe 14 public holidays. At the other end of the spectrum, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands have only nine public holidays. When broken down, England and Wales have the fewest with eight days, while Scotland has nine and Northern Ireland ten.
Recently, French Prime Minister François Bayrou suggested getting rid of public holidays like Easter Monday, which he stated lacks “religious significance” compared to Easter Sunday, and 8 May, commemorating the end of World War II in Europe. He argued that removing these days would boost the economy, potentially generating around €44 billion in tax revenues from increased economic activity. However, the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies projects a more modest economic boost of 0.06% if the plan goes ahead.
With 11 public holidays currently, France ranks fairly in the middle among European countries, alongside Greece, Hungary, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Sweden. If the proposed cuts are implemented, France would move closer to the bottom of the list.
However, the exact number of holidays can vary. Many countries have regional differences; for example, some Swiss cantons can have up to 15 holidays, and France’s Alsace and Moselle regions observe two additional days. The total days off can also change annually or offer half-days for certain holidays, such as in Iceland for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve after noon. Furthermore, some countries, like the UK, provide “substitute days” when a public holiday falls on a weekend, granting the following Monday or Tuesday off, whereas France and others typically lose the holiday in such instances.
The proposal to reduce public holidays is not new in Europe. Recently, Slovakia decided to remove 17 November as a day off as part of a fiscal strategy. In 2023, Denmark abolished its Great Day of Prayer to increase labour output, though estimates suggested only a small increase in GDP. Portugal notably scrapped four public holidays in 2013 during an austerity period, but a new government reinstated all four early in 2016 due to public disapproval.
Public holidays are just one aspect of time off. Statutory annual leave also contributes to a country’s total time off, with Andorra, Malta, and Albania reportedly offering the most across the continent.
(Source: Euronews)
