Eurostat published the latest data on the size of the minimum wage per month in EU countries. On January 1, 2017 the minimum monthly wage was set in 22 EU countries, reports “Correspondent”.
The highest minimum salary was in the Luxembourg (1999 Euro) Ireland (Euro 1563), the Netherlands (1552 euros), Belgium (1532 euros) and Germany (€1498).
The minimum wage is 500 euros a month in the Czech Republic (407 euros), Hungary (412 euros), Croatia (433 euros), Slovakia (435 Euro), Poland (453 Euro) and Estonia (470 euros). In Latvia and Lithuania the minimum wage now stands at EUR 380 per month. Less it only in Bulgaria (235 Euro) and Romania (275 euros).
The highest minimum monthly salary in the EU is nine times higher than the lowest, and excluding differences in price levels in different countries, the ratio is 1:3.
In comparison with 2008 the minimum wage increased in Bulgaria (+109%), Romania (+99%), Slovakia (+80%). In Estonia, the increase was 69%, in Latvia – 65%, in Lithuania – 64%. The only country where the minimum wage over this period decreased with Greece (-14%).
The minimum wage exceeds 60% of average earnings only in three EU countries: Portugal (64%), France and Slovenia (62%). In Latvia and Lithuania, the figure is 52%, in Estonia – 40%.
In Austria, Denmark, Italy, Finland, Sweden and Cyprus the government does not set minimum wage.
Recall that from 1 January the minimum wage in Ukraine has increased twice – up to UAH 3200 (slightly more than 100 euros).
