The problem of this research was unemployment in the European Union and the Republic of Croatia. The aim of this paper was to analyze unemployment as the most difficult economic problem and to identify its causes and consequences. Research confirms that the unemployment rate of women in most EU countries is considerably higher than the unemployment rate of men. The next issue is youth unemployment, which is confirmed by the results of research that show that every third person up to 29 years of age is unemployed. For the purpose of this research, an anonymous and with the consent of the respondents, an online survey was conducted. The target population was the students of the Veleučilište in Slavonski Brod. The aim of the survey was to determine the reasons why young people leave Croatia, how to stay abroad, which countries of the European Union would move and which criteria would choose the country for a new life and business. The investigation also sought to determine what the Republic of Croatia should take to prevent the population from leaving the EU. According to the results obtained, most students believe that changes in the Republic of Croatia are necessary. The reasons for leaving the Republic of Croatia are the dissatisfaction with the political situation in the country, the lack of employment and career advancement. Key factors for selecting the country of emigration would be the economic situation and the security of the country, and the majority of respondents abroad would stay longer than 5 years. An active employment policy allows adaptation to the conditions required by the labor market, and further employment will lead to growth and development of the economy. With frequent investments and active measures, it is possible to significantly reduce the unemployment rate and thus enable better and faster development of the economy.