Regional leaders call for upward convergence of minimum wages across Europe and an end to in work poverty

Regions and cities believe that a social, fair and sustainable market economy cannot be achieved in the European Union without combatting in-work poverty and securing upward convergence of minimum wages. The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has therefore welcomed the European Commission’s proposal for a directive, which provides a framework for setting adequate minimum wages while respecting existing national legislation and the role of social partners. The CoR opinion drafted by Peter Kaiser (AT/PES), Governor of Carinthia, was adopted at this week’s plenary session after a debate which included a representative from the Portuguese Council presidency.