Serbia to set minimum wage at 600 euros, Government to vote at next session

Serbia's minimum wage will be set at 600 euros and the Government plans to adopt the measure at its next session, Finance Minister Siniša Mali announced on 18 August 2026.

Mali spoke after a meeting of the Social and Economic Council, saying that several factors were weighed when determining the floor for pay: gross domestic product growth, the state of the labour market, inflation and the country's macroeconomic stability.

Proposal and disagreement at the council

Representatives of the Government, employers and trade unions failed to reach a consensus on the level for next year during the council meeting. The Government has proposed raising the minimum by 9.2 percent, from 371 to 405 dinars per working hour — which would amount to 70,470 dinars (about 600 euros) monthly based on the average number of working hours.

Mali said the increase could be approved quickly if there are no problems. He stated: "Such a decision, if all goes well, will be taken already at the next Government session."

The announcement leaves the timetable for implementation dependent on the Cabinet's agenda and any further negotiations with social partners. If approved at the next session, the new rates would become the reference for employers and collective bargaining talks for the coming year.

Photo: press material from the event