New data from Eurostat shows significant differences in minimum wage levels across the European Union, despite gradual convergence when adjusted for living costs.
As of January 2026, 22 out of 27 EU countries have a national minimum wage, with five countries still relying on collective agreements instead.
Minimum wages vary widely across Member States. In 8 countries, wages remain below €1,000 per month, including Romania (€795) and Bulgaria (€620), while in others they exceed €2,000, with Luxembourg reaching €2,704.
However, when differences in price levels are taken into account, the gap becomes significantly smaller. In purchasing power standards (PPS), the highest minimum wage is around 2.4 times the lowest, compared to 4.4 times in nominal terms.
The data also shows a gradual shift, with several countries moving into higher wage groups compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing adjustments across the EU labour market.
For young people and businesses, minimum wage levels play an important role in shaping both purchasing power and labour costs. While higher wages can support living standards, they also influence the cost structure of companies, particularly SMEs.
JEUNE considers that reducing disparities in minimum wages while maintaining competitiveness is essential for a balanced and inclusive European labour market, especially for young workers and entrepreneurs.
Overall, the figures highlight both progress and persistent gaps, underlining the complexity of aligning wage levels across diverse economic contexts in the EU.
Useful link:
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-eurostat-news/w/ddn-20260130-2
