Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002555/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)
Despite the European Union’s principle of convergence, average wages still vary enormously between the Member States. According to recent data from 2023, the average monthly full-time wage in the EU was around EUR 3 155, dropping to less than EUR 1 125 in Bulgaria and reaching EUR 6 755 in Luxembourg. And although these disparities become narrower when purchasing power standards (PPS) are taken into account, significant inequalities persist. Low wages in many Eastern and Southern European countries, such as Greece, limit people’s ability to make a decent living and increase brain drain. While the EU has adopted the Minimum Wages Directive, it is unclear whether there are effective tools to ensure real convergence of incomes in terms of quality of life. This issue directly concerns social cohesion and the sustainability of economies.
In view of the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.Is there a plan to reduce disparities in average wages between Member States, not only in absolute terms but also taking into account purchasing power standards (PPS)?
- 2.Does it envisage further regulatory action or financial support so that the wages in the countries with the lowest salaries can actually approach the European average in real terms?
Submitted: 25.6.2025