Malta Had One Of The Smallest Minimum Wage Increases In The EU Over The Last 10 Years

Malta recorded one of the smallest increases in the minimum wage across the European Union over the past decade, according to Eurostat's 'Key Figures on Europe – 2026 Edition'.

The report reveals that between January 2016 and January 2026, Malta and France recorded the smallest percentage increases in minimum wages when adjusted for differences in purchasing power.

This means that while minimum wages increased over the years, the growth in Malta was among the slowest in the EU when considering differences in price levels between countries.

However, there is also positive news for Malta's job market.

In 2025, Malta recorded an unemployment rate of just 3.1%, the joint second-lowest in the EU alongside Poland, and well below the European average of 6.0%.

Malta also had the highest employment rate in the EU, with 83.6% of people aged between 20 and 64 in employment.

Meanwhile, the report highlights another challenge facing the country: Malta has the lowest fertility rate in the EU.

In 2024, Malta recorded an average of just 1.01 births per woman, compared with the EU average of 1.34.

Although the report does not directly link wages to fertility rates, the findings raise questions about affordability, financial security and the challenges young people face when planning to start a family.

Overall, the figures paint a mixed picture: Malta continues to perform strongly when it comes to employment, but wage growth and the country's low fertility rate remain important issues.

#MaltaDaily

Source: Eurostat - 'Key Figures on Europe – 2026 Edition'