CroatiaThe article discusses the decline in real wages across European countries between early 2021 and early 2026, highlighting significant variations among nations. According to the OECD Employment Report 2026 covering 27 European states, cumulative real wage decreases were recorded in nine countries during this period. The impact of the cost-of-living crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rapid energy price increases, and record inflation, has heavily affected millions of households. In Italy, real wages fell by 6.1%, the largest drop in the region, attributed to delayed collective bargaining agreements and weakened union negotiating power. Other countries such as the Czech Republic (-5.8%), Sweden (-4.8%), Denmark (-2.1%), Spain (-2%), and others experienced smaller declines. Experts note that slow recovery of nominal wages and weak productivity growth have contributed to these trends.
Bias read (Center): The article presents data-driven analysis of wage changes across multiple European countries without overtly favoring any particular political ideology. It cites expert opinions and reports from neutral institutions like the OECD and references economic factors rather than political agendas. While a
