Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση

The approach of EU governments towards minimum wages started to change from the turn of the century and national minimum wages have risen sharply, particularly since the mid-2010s, becoming more binding and shaping wage dynamics more broadly. Drawing on recent Eurofound research, this policy brief examines how national minimum wage increases may affect employees’ pay levels, wage inequality, collective bargaining and the wider employment structure.

This year’s annual review presents the discussions around minimum wage setting that took place in the EU Member States and Norway during 2025 and led to the new rates for 2026. It includes information on countries with and without a national minimum wage. It provides data on the significant progress on national minimum wages over the past decade; minimum wages have typically outperformed inflation and there have been increases in average wages in most countries.

This year’s annual review presents the discussions around minimum wage setting that took place in the EU Member States and Norway during 2025 and led to the new rates for 2026. It includes information on countries with and without a national minimum wage. It provides data on the significant progress on national minimum wages over the past decade; minimum wages have typically outperformed inflation and there have been increases in average wages in most countries.

Today, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu received the first conclusions of the European Skills High-Level Board, presented by its Chair, Ylva Johansson.