EU Minimum Wage Data Reveals Widening Gap Between Nominal and Purchasing Power Terms

The European Union's minimum wage data shows that only eight out of 29 countries increased their gross minimum wage between January and July 2026, despite a 3.2% inflation rate in the euro area during this period.

Luxembourg has the highest gross monthly minimum wage in Europe at €2,771, while Bulgaria has the lowest at €620. In nominal terms, five countries have a minimum wage above €2,000, and nine fall between €1,000 and €2,000.

However, when adjusted for purchasing power standards (PPS), the rankings change significantly. Luxembourg still tops the list with a minimum wage of 2,108 PPS, but North Macedonia ranks higher than several EU countries at 1,142 PPS.