In Luxembourg, the minimum wage reached 2771 euros before taxes in July, while in Ukraine it was 169 euros. The difference between the countries looks even more pronounced when considering the real purchasing power of incomes. This is reported by Euronews referencing Eurostat data.
Minimum wage in Europe: rating leaders in July 2026
Over 2000 euros in minimum wage before taxation have been set in only five European countries. The highest figure belongs to Luxembourg, followed by Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
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Luxembourg: 2771 euros;
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Ireland: 2391 euros;
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Germany: 2343 euros;
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Netherlands: 2338 euros;
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Belgium: 2234 euros.
France is close to this group with a figure of 1867 euros. In nine countries, the minimum wage is between 1000 to 2000 euros, but most of them tend towards the lower end.
Poland and the Czech Republic: what minimum do Ukraine's neighbors have
In Poland, the minimum wage is 1119 euros gross per month. Lithuania has a figure of 1153 euros, Slovenia 1482 euros, and Spain 1425 euros.
In the Czech Republic, the minimum wage equals 923 euros, in Slovakia 915 euros, and in Hungary 906 euros. Below 1000 euros are also Malta, Estonia, Bulgaria, and several candidate countries for EU accession.
The lowest amounts in the ranking were recorded in Ukraine and Moldova: 169 and 313 euros respectively. In Bulgaria, which has the lowest figure among EU member states, the minimum wage is 620 euros.
Purchasing power changes the wage ranking in Europe
The nominal amount does not show how many goods and services can be purchased for this money in a particular country. For such comparisons, purchasing power standards (PPS) are used.
By this indicator, Germany ranks first with 2164 PPS. Luxembourg follows with 2108 PPS, the Netherlands with 2023 PPS, Belgium with 1922 PPS, and Ireland with 1756 PPS.
Data for Ukraine and Moldova in terms of PPS are not provided. Meanwhile, the ranking shows that a high minimum wage in euros does not always mean a proportionately higher level of everyday opportunities, as prices in the countries vary significantly.
Let us remind you, in Ukraine, the minimum wage is twice lower than in Moldova.