Purpose: Sustainable Development Goal 8 focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This poses a significant challenge for many countries, including the members of the European Union. Therefore, the aim of this article is to assess the implementation of SDG 8 by EU countries using selected clustering methods, namely Ward's method and the k-means method. The research period covers the year 2023. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on statistical data obtained from the Eurostat database. A total of 11 diagnostic variables describing SDG 8 were used, including both stimulants and destimulants. To evaluate the implementation of SDG 8 across EU countries in 2023, Ward's method and the k-means method were applied. The classification results were compared using a cluster matching matrix. The findings are presented in both graphical and tabular form. Findings: The application of both methods resulted in the identification of five clusters of EU countries with similar levels of SDG 8 implementation. Characteristic features were defined for each group. The results indicate that EU countries differ significantly in their progress toward this goal. Germany, the Netherlands, and Ireland emerged as leaders in the implementation of SDG 8, achieving the most favorable values in as many as eight variables. In contrast, the group including Greece, Spain, Italy, and Romania did not stand out in terms of any of the variables related to SDG 8. The calculated cluster matching measures confirmed that Ward's method and k-means produced similar results. Research limitations/implications: The study used only complete indicators characterizing Sustainable Development Goal 8 as published by Eurostat. Selecting appropriate variables in an international context is challenging; in this article, the selection was based on the availability and completeness of statistical data in the Eurostat database. An inappropriate or incomplete selection of variables may influence the final research results. Practical implications: Monitoring changes in the implementation of SDG 8 by European Union countries is an important factor for assessing and verifying the effectiveness of policies and actions under the EU's Common Policy. The research provides a general overview of the current situation regarding the studied issue. Countries with lower levels of SDG 8 implementation may, for example, apply for support funds under the EU's cohesion policy or benefit from the experiences of more developed member states. Originality/value: The originality of the article lies in the authors' individual approach to the research issues undertaken. The selection of diagnostic variables, research methods, the grouping of countries, and the evaluation of classification consistency were all authorial decisions. This approach enriches the research methodology. The results may serve as a foundation for expanding knowledge in this area, preparing and applying more advanced research methods, or broadening the scope of research conclusions. (original abstract)