At a glance: Current minimum wages in Europe and worldwide

Quelle: WSI

Development of national minimum wages over time in 39 countries: Tables for download

Quelle: WSI

Lübker, Malte / Schulten, Thorsten : WSI Minimum Wage Report 2026

The EU directive has contributed to dynamic growth across much of Europe. In Germany, the Minimum Wage Commission has significantly increased the minimum wage and is now pursuing the goal of reaching 60% of the median wage. However, the reference value has not yet been enshrined in law.

Lübker, Malte / Schulten, Thorsten : WSI Minimum Wage Report 2025

Driven by the EU Minimum Wage Directive, many EU countries are raising minimum wages significantly in 2025, boosting purchasing power amid falling inflation. However, Germany still needs a structural increase to ensure adequacy.