The vast majority of the 22 member states with a cross-industry minimum wage raised its level on 1 January 2025. Only Greece and Cyprus have not announced any increase. While Athens increased its minimum wage by 6.4% in July 2024, outpacing annual inflation (2.9% in December 2024), Cyprus’ minimum wage has remained unchanged since 1 January 2024, despite a 3% rise in the cost of living over the same period. Overall, while the annual inflation rate in the 22 countries concerned stood at almost 3% in December 2024, the minimum wage rose by an average of 7.3% over one year, albeit down on last year.
More than 10 member states have minimum wages below €1,000
In July, 13 member states had a minimum wage below €1,000. As of 1 January 2025, only 10 member states are below this threshold, with Lithuania, Poland and Portugal having reached this threshold. What’s more, in some countries, the rise has reached record levels.
