Luxembourg recorded the highest minimum wage across Europe in January 2026 at a staggering 2,704 euros (approximately $3,466). Ireland and Germany followed with 2,391 euros ($3,066) and 2,343 euros ($3,005), respectively.
In stark contrast, Ukraine recorded the lowest minimum wage on the continent, sitting at a mere 173 euros ($221) per month.
Moldova and Albania ranked slightly higher but still occupied the bottom tier, offering minimum wages of 319 euros ($408) and 517 euros ($662).
Hetmantsev highlighted the massive chasm between Ukrainian incomes and European standards, pointing to the much higher median across the European Union.
"If we analyze the median minimum wages in Europe, it becomes clear that in January 2026, EU citizens received an average of 1,345.9 euros ($1,725) per month at the minimum wage level," Hetmantsev stated.
"To our great regret, Ukrainians still receive the lowest salaries not only among EU countries but also among candidate countries," he concluded.