Croatia Aims for 1,600 Euro Average Salary by 2028, PM Announces

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has set an ambitious target for the nation's economy, stating that the average salary in Croatia will reach 1,600 euros by the end of his government's term in 2028. This goal was announced during a municipal council session on the island of Brač.

Plenković indicated that the government is on track to achieve this, noting that the average salary has already surpassed 1,550 euros. He emphasized that this objective is part of a rational planning process. The Prime Minister also announced that the government will convene with employers and trade unions in October to discuss and decide on a new minimum wage. The current gross minimum wage stands at 1,050 euros.

He stressed the government's commitment to raising the minimum wage, asserting that they have increased it more than any previous administration. Simultaneously, Plenković assured that these increases are sustainable for employers, particularly in sectors where employees still earn the minimum wage. Over the last ten years, the minimum wage has reportedly risen by 134%, with average and median wages seeing increases of over 100%.

To support these wage adjustments, Plenković mentioned the potential for compensatory measures, where the state could finance minimum wage hikes for a limited period. This would provide businesses with adequate time to adapt. Additionally, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the current tourism season, reporting that it is performing better than the previous year, evidenced by increased fiscalization and turnover.