Negotiations between the Serbian government, unions, and employers concluded without an agreement on reaching a previously promised €650 minimum wage.

Representatives of the Serbian government maintained their offer to increase the minimum wage to €600 starting January 1, 2027, during recent negotiations. This proposal represents a 9.2 percent increase from the current €550 level. Union representatives, including Zoran Ristić of UGS Nezavisnost, stated that the government has not yet clarified when the minimum wage will reach the previously promised target of €650.

Positions of Stakeholders

Employers have indicated they accept the 9.2 percent increase, provided there is an increase in the non-taxable portion of the salary, though specific details on that adjustment remain undefined. Meanwhile, the UGS Nezavisnost and the Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia continue to demand a clear timeline for reaching the €650 target, noting that businesses require this information for operational planning.

Status of Negotiations

The current round of talks concluded without a consensus. The parties are expected to meet again at a session of the Social and Economic Council scheduled for August 18. Under Serbian labor law, the government holds the authority to make the final decision on the minimum wage amount and its effective date if social partners fail to reach an agreement.