Adequate minimum wages in the European Union: MEPs debate (part 1/2)

In a wider economic climate of rising prices, but recognising member state traditions of wage-setting and collective bargaining, the EU directive on adequate minimum wages is set to be a major milestone in European social policy.Under the new rules, national minimum wages would have to enable workers to lead a decent life, taking into account the cost of living and wider pay levels. To facilitate an adequacy assessment of existing statutory minimum wages, EU countries may establish a basket of goods and services at real prices, or set it at 60% of the gross median wage and 50% of the gross average wage.