Wage growth in the euro zone slowed in the second quarter of 2026, signaling continued easing in underlying price pressures across the bloc. Year-over-year wages rose 3.00% in Q2, down from 3.40% in the first quarter of 2026, according to data updated on 16 September 2026.
The figures are based on an annual comparison, measuring how wages in the current quarter compare with the same quarter a year earlier. The previous reading, for the first quarter of 2026, was likewise calculated on a year-over-year basis. The latest moderation suggests that pay pressures may be gradually receding, a development closely watched by policymakers and markets for its implications on inflation and future interest rate decisions.
