About: Minimum wage
French Socialist Party in disarray after joining new Left alliance
France's Socialist Party has joined the New Popular Ecological and Social Union formed by Jean-Luc Mélenchon's La France Insoumise ahead of the legislative elections in June but the news has not been well-received by all. EURACTIV France reports.
Germany fears seasonal labour shortages as Ukraine war rages on
This year, labour supply bottlenecks could become a problem due to the Ukraine war and the ongoing pandemic, and while the German Farmers' Association (DBV) calls for the rules to be relaxed, critics argue deeper issues remain.
Half-time for the French Presidency
Three months into the six-month French presidency of the EU Council, there is not much time left for the French presidency to deliver on its economic policy priorities.
Presidential candidate Mélenchon ready to push for EU Treaty reform
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, presidential candidate of radical left party La France Insoumise, hopes to push member countries to break away from EU treaties "that block us" if he wins the election in April.
EU Council agrees negotiating position on minimum wage directive
Two weeks after the European Parliament agreed its negotiating position on the minimum wage directive, a large majority of national ministers also agreed on a common position, with the only dissent coming from Denmark and Hungary.
Living wages hang in the balance as MEPs try to derail Directive
The European Parliament is set to adopt a text that would be a huge step towards delivering a living wage to millions across the EU – but the directive’s future is now in question as a group of Nordic MEPs try to stop it in its tracks, writes Alva Finn.
Danish and Swedish socialists fight against minimum wage directive
The minimum wage directive is a key policy goal for European Social Democrats, but leftist parties and trade unions in Denmark and Sweden see it as a danger for their labour market model. They have collected enough signatures to force a vote in November’s European Parliament plenary, potentially delaying the directive for months.
France ready to pick up the baton on EU minimum wage proposal
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday (8 May) that Paris was ready to pick up the baton on the EU’s minimum wage proposal if an agreement cannot be reached during the Portuguese EU presidency, which ends on 1 July.
Schmit hopes for agreement on EU minimum wages by June
Member states will hopefully reach a common position on the definition of EU minimum wages before the end of Portugal’s presidency of the Council, which runs until June, European Commissioner for employment, Nicolas Schmit, told Lusa.pt, highlighting the “efforts” made...
Momentum for Social Europe
EU minimum wage legislation can help drive much-needed momentum for social policy reform, writes Oliver Röpke.
Minimum wage policies offer a lesson for advancement of farming
It is not the case that any minimum wage is bad. Equally true, it is not the case that any biofuels demand is bad. Empirical evidence finds that a set minimum wage is beneficial for economy and society. Likewise, biofuel demand contributes to advancing farming, writes Zoltán Szabó.
One in ten European workers at risk of poverty, study says
In-work poverty increased over the last decade in most European countries, with around 12% of workers at risk of poverty, according to the latest report by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
Commission makes it clear: Same minimum wage for all EU countries is impossible
Commissioner Nicolas Schmit said on Wednesday (28 October) that if Bulgaria, the country with the lowest wages in the EU, were to introduce the same wages as his native Luxembourg, the very next day there would be “no Bulgarian economy”.
National recovery plan, taxes, subsidised contracts… Macron’s three economic priorities
In a Bastille Day interview with French media on Tuesday (14 July), President Emmanuel Macron detailed his economic orientation for the final two years of his five-year term. EURACTIV's media partner Ouest-France reports.
Commissioner Schmit: The future of Europe is not low wages, insecure jobs
The EU is facing the worst recession in history as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. To ensure that the crisis does not turn into a social emergency, the bloc must address issues like job security, minimum wages, or youth opportunities, the Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, told EURACTIV in an interview.
Commission continues with EU minimum wage push, using coronavirus momentum
The European Commission insists that minimum wages ensuring workers across the EU earn a decent living are crucial to the coronavirus recovery and on Wednesday (3 June) launched a new round of consultations with social partners.
Spain announces 5.5% hike in minimum wage as ‘tool’ against inequality
Spain's new government on Wednesday (22 January) announced a 5.5% rise in the minimum wage retroactive to 1 January, the third major economic initiative the left-wing coalition has announced since taking office this month.
Nicolas Schmit: ‘The first dignity of work is to pay people a fair wage’
Nicolas Schmit will have a busy 2020. The EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights outlined on Tuesday (14 January) a comprehensive agenda to beef up the EU’s social policies. He discussed the details in an interview with EURACTIV.
Schmit to unveil EU minimum wage proposal in January
Nicolas Schmit announced on Tuesday (10 December) that he will unveil his proposal for an EU minimum wage framework in early January, following his first Council meeting as a member of the new European Commission.
Bas Eickhout: EU carbon market needs alignment with 2050 goal
The next European Commission will have to reopen the Emissions Trading Scheme directive if it is serious about reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, argues Bas Eickhout, warning the next Commission chief will need to find a broader majority in the European Parliament than his predecessor.
EU election 2019: What next for Social Europe?
In November 2017, the European Commission launched the European Pillar of Social Rights, which resulted in 25 legislative initiatives. Ahead of the EU elections this week, EURACTIV looks at what the main political parties have on offer for social Europe.
Timmermans calls on all EU members to adopt minimum wage
European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans on Monday (6 May) called for each EU member to have a minimum wage equivalent to 60% of its median salary to reduce the bloc's growing wealth gap.
Growing number of French shocked by income inequality
A new poll in France has revealed that income inequalities are among the least acceptable social factors. More than 90% of French respondents call for the minimum wage to be raised. EURACTIV's partner Ouest-France reports.