[EMEA] Minimum wages rising as inflation eases

New research has revealed that national minimum wages continued to rise across Europe in 2026, with the largest increases again recorded in central and eastern Europe, My Newsdesk reports. 

According to Eurofound’s latest report, Minimum Wages in 2026: Annual Review, gross national minimum wages increased between January 2025 and January 2026 in 21 of the 22 Member States with a national minimum wage. 

The largest increases were reportedly recorded in central and eastern Europe again, with Slovenia recording the largest increase, at 16 per cent, followed by Bulgaria, Slovakia, Lithuania and Hungary, with increases of 11–12 per cent. 

The report showed the increases continuing a longer-term trend towards upward convergence in minimum wage levels across Europe.

Minimum wage earners gained purchasing power in virtually all Member States in 2026, as lower inflation in January 2026 offset increases in nominal minimum wages. 

Romania was the exception. Its minimum wage was frozen in January, and its increase took effect from July 2026

The EU Minimum Wage Directive reportedly seems to have been a factor driving the uprates in several Member States, with some using indicative reference values linked to average or median wages when deciding their new minimum wage rates.

Eurofound stated that several Member States introduced new procedures in 2025 following its transposition. However, rates for 2026 were primarily determined through established national processes.

Ivailo Kalfin - Executive Director of Eurofound - said, “After years in which governments were focused on protecting workers from high inflation, attention is increasingly turning to the adequacy of minimum wages and improving living standards for low-paid workers.” 

Read the full report here.

Source: My Newsdesk

(Links and quote via original reporting)

New research has revealed that national minimum wages continued to rise across Europe in 2026, with the largest increases again recorded in central and eastern Europe, My Newsdesk reports. 

According to Eurofound’s latest report, Minimum Wages in 2026: Annual Review, gross national minimum wages increased between January 2025 and January 2026 in 21 of the 22 Member States with a national minimum wage. 

The largest increases were reportedly recorded in central and eastern Europe again, with Slovenia recording the largest increase, at 16 per cent, followed by Bulgaria, Slovakia, Lithuania and Hungary, with increases of 11–12 per cent. 

The report showed the increases continuing a longer-term trend towards upward convergence in minimum wage levels across Europe.

Minimum wage earners gained purchasing power in virtually all Member States in 2026, as lower inflation in January 2026 offset increases in nominal minimum wages. 

Romania was the exception. Its minimum wage was frozen in January, and its increase took effect from July 2026

The EU Minimum Wage Directive reportedly seems to have been a factor driving the uprates in several Member States, with some using indicative reference values linked to average or median wages when deciding their new minimum wage rates.

Eurofound stated that several Member States introduced new procedures in 2025 following its transposition. However, rates for 2026 were primarily determined through established national processes.

Ivailo Kalfin - Executive Director of Eurofound - said, “After years in which governments were focused on protecting workers from high inflation, attention is increasingly turning to the adequacy of minimum wages and improving living standards for low-paid workers.” 

Read the full report here.

Source: My Newsdesk

(Links and quote via original reporting)