Nearly 13 million workers across 22 European Union countries earn the minimum wage or less, according to Euronews estimates based on Eurostat data.

With minimum wage increases typically taking effect at the start of the year, the beginning of 2026 has once again highlighted the financial impact these adjustments have on millions of employees.

As the year begins, Euronews has compiled a list of European countries with the highest minimum wages, revealing a mix of expected leaders and surprising results — especially when EU candidate states are included.

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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)

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.

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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.

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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)