The start of 2026 has brought attention to the financial impact of minimum wage adjustments on millions of employees across the European Union.
According to Euronews estimates based on Eurostat data, nearly 13 million workers in 22 EU countries earn the minimum wage or less.
Euronews has released its 2026 list of European countries with the highest minimum wages, featuring some unexpected entrants, particularly among EU candidate states.
Here are the top 10 European countries with the highest minimum wages for 2026, considering both nominal and purchasing power parity (PPP) adjustments:
1. Luxembourg
Minimum wage: €2,704
Adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP): €2,035 (drops to second place)
Luxembourg maintains the highest statutory minimum wage in Europe, although its ranking changes when the cost of living is taken into account.
2. Ireland
Minimum wage: €2,391
Adjusted for PPP: €1,732 (falls to fifth place)
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Ireland ranks second by nominal minimum wage but drops significantly when adjusted for living costs.
3. Germany
Minimum wage: €2,343
Adjusted for PPP: €2,157 (moves to first place)
Germany climbs to the top spot when the real value of the wage is considered.
4. Netherlands
Minimum wage: €2,295
Adjusted for PPP: €1,979 (rises to third place)
The Netherlands remains among the highest earners in both nominal and PPP-adjusted terms.
5. Belgium
Minimum wage: €2,112
Adjusted for PPP: €1,812 (moves up one spot)
Belgium also improves its position when purchasing power is considered.
6. France
Minimum wage: €1,823
Adjusted for PPP: €1,639 (remains sixth)
France maintains its ranking after adjustment for cost of living.
7. Spain
Minimum wage: €1,381
Adjusted for PPP: €1,519 (rises in ranking)
Spain is the first country on the list to see a higher value after PPP adjustment.
8. Slovenia
Minimum wage: €1,278
Adjusted for PPP: €1,417
Slovenia’s adjusted wage reflects a stronger purchasing power than the nominal figure suggests.
9. Lithuania
Minimum wage: €1,153
Adjusted for PPP: €1,413
Lithuania shows one of the largest increases when cost of living is taken into account.
10. Poland
Minimum wage: €1,139
Adjusted for PPP: €1,545 (largest jump)