Bulgaria Tripartite Council fails to agree on 2027 minimum wage

The Bulgarian Tripartite Council has failed to reach a consensus on the specific amount of the minimum wage for 2027, despite agreeing on a new mechanism for its determination. The proposed new formula establishes a range for negotiations, with a lower limit of 620.20 euros and an upper limit of 672.80 euros.

The new mechanism moves away from a direct link to the average wage, instead utilizing four indicators aligned with European directives: the consumer price index for a small basket of goods, gross median wage, gross average wage, and gross value added per employee. While the government views the agreement on these criteria as a “historical breakthrough,” labor unions have expressed reservations regarding the formula and the proposed range.

Finance Minister Galab Donev stated that the final amount for 2027 will be determined by a government decision, though it is intended to be done in cooperation with social partners and employers. Labor representatives are pushing for a higher minimum that does not fall below levels established by previous formulas, while employer organizations favor a lower amount within the negotiated corridor.