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WSI Minimum Wage Report 2026: Consolidation of the New European Minimum Wage Policy
[WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2026: Konsolidierung der neuen Europäischen Mindestlohnpolitik]

Author

Listed:
  • Lübker, Malte
  • Schulten, Thorsten

Abstract

In recent years, minimum wage policy in Europe has undergone a profound change: Many EU countries have raised their minimum wages above average and focused on the goal of ensuring an adequate standard of living. A consolidation of the new course is now emerging, as EU countries are now increasingly basing their minimum wage calculations on reference values as recommended in the European Minimum Wage Directive. The Directive was recently found to be fundamentally in compliance with European law by the European Court of Justice. 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, as the reference value has not yet been enshrined in law, progress in this country is still on shaky ground.

Suggested Citation

  • Lübker, Malte & Schulten, Thorsten, 2026. "WSI Minimum Wage Report 2026: Consolidation of the New European Minimum Wage Policy [WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2026: Konsolidierung der neuen Europäischen Mindestlohnpolitik]," WSI Reports 111e, The Institute of Economic and Social Research (WSI), Hans Böckler Foundation.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wsirep:339641
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lübker, Malte & Schulten, Thorsten, 2023. "WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2023 : Kaufkraftsicherung als zentrale Aufgabe in Zeiten hoher Inflation," WSI-Mitteilungen, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 76(2), pages 112-122.
    2. David H. Autor & Alan Manning & Christopher L. Smith, 2016. "The Contribution of the Minimum Wage to US Wage Inequality over Three Decades: A Reassessment," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 8(1), pages 58-99, January.
    3. Lübker, Malte & Schulten, Thorsten, 2023. "WSI-Mindestlohnbericht 2023: Kaufkraftsicherung als zentrale Aufgabe in Zeiten hoher Inflation," WSI Reports 82, The Institute of Economic and Social Research (WSI), Hans Böckler Foundation.
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