The minimum wage in Europe is very widespread

In Germany, it's set at €12,40 per hour; in Bulgaria, it's €2,85. The Germans have even appointed a commission of experts to update it.

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Minimum wage: where it exists in Europe

In Europe, the minimum wage is not taboo. Although the figures vary, it has been introduced in recent years in 22 of the 27 countries. The range of figures is very wide. At the high end are Luxembourg (€14,86 per hour), the Netherlands (€13,27), and Germany (€12,40). At the low end, however, are Bulgaria (€2,85), Romania (€3,99), Hungary (€4,02), and Latvia (€4,14). 

The country that has most recently updated the regulatory framework to protect the minimum wage is undoubtedly Germany . It was introduced here with a law (the Mindestlohngesetz, also known as "MiLog") that also provides for its updating, through a sort of sliding scale. The adjustment is entrusted to the decisions of a Minimum Wage Commission, an independent body composed of company and worker representatives , as well as labor law experts and economists.

The minimum wage is also established on a monthly basis, and here too the figures vary: in the Netherlands, where it was introduced way back in 1969, it amounts to 1.934 euros gross; in Spain 1.080 euros per month; in Germany 2.080 euros. 

This is the minimum wage situation in Europe, distinguishing the various countries that have introduced it by salary bands.

High-end (more than 1.800 euros per month)

  • 🇱🇺 Luxembourg (the highest in Europe)
  • (I.e. Ireland
  • 🇩🇪 Germany
  • 🇳🇱 Netherlands
  • 🇧🇪 Belgium
  • 🇫🇷 France

Mid-range (between 1.000 and 1.800 euros per month)

  • 🇪🇸 Spain
  • (I.e. Slovenia
  • 🇵🇱 Poland
  • 🇵🇹 Portugal
  • 🇬🇷 Greece
  • ???????? Croatia
  • 🇨🇾 Cyprus
  • 🇲🇹 Malta
  • 🇱🇹 Lithuania

 Low-end (less than €1.000 per month)

  • 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
  • 🇪🇪 Estonia
  • (I.e. Slovakia
  • (I.e. Hungary
  • ⁇ Romania
  • 🇱🇻 Latvia
  • 🇧🇬 Bulgaria
In Italy, where there is no national law on minimum wage, there are however many municipalities who introduced it in relation to the contracts that are managed by these administrations.

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Opening photo by Karolina Kaboompics via Pexels

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