The minimum wage in Ukraine is the lowest in Europe

According to Eurostat, the minimum wage in Ukraine is currently the lowest in Europe – just 173 euros per month. For comparison, in Luxembourg this figure is 2704 euros. Since January 1, the minimum wage in Ukraine has increased to 8647 hryvnias. Still, this increase only compensates for inflationary costs and does not lead to a real increase in Ukrainians’ real incomes.

Among all European countries, including EU accession candidates, Ukraine has the lowest minimum wage. Even Moldova, which is in the penultimate place, has a minimum wage of 319 euros.

The lowest wages in the EU are in Bulgaria, at 620 euros per month, while the highest are in Luxembourg, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. According to Euronews’ rating, Ukraine ranked 29th in this regard.

From January 1 of this year, the minimum wage was increased from 8,000 to 8,647 hryvnias. After taxes and military contributions, workers receive approximately 6,658 hryvnias. This 8% increase does not provide real income growth, as it only offsets inflation.

The situation with minimum wages highlights the problems of economic inequality and low incomes of the most vulnerable segments of the population in Ukraine.