Three key labour matters—originally scheduled for completion by the end of December—remain unresolved: the pension-system reform, the revision of the National Minimum Wage, and the employment framework for third-country nationals. All three were effectively pushed aside during the lengthy negotiations on the Cost of Living Allowance (ATA).

The recent ruling of the European Court of Justice on extending collective agreements has also entered the discussion, with the matter expected to be examined by the Labour Advisory Body early next year.

Government sources note that the consensus reached on ATA showed once again that tripartite dialogue can deliver results. The Ministry of Labour is relying on cooperation between employers, unions and the state to settle the outstanding issues. However, both employers’ groups and unions believe that the roughly 30 days left until Christmas are not enough to conclude talks, given the complexity of each file.

All social partners agree that the reform must ensure a decent standard of living for pensioners, particularly amid demographic pressures such as population ageing and low birth rates.

Unions highlight the need for a balanced, sustainable system built on the existing three pillars—state social insurance, provident funds, and private insurance—along with a fourth pillar reflecting the state’s social role in supporting low-income pensioners.

The last adjustment of the NMW took place in December 2023, from €940 to €1,000.

The Ministry of Labour will submit the next proposal to the Cabinet after receiving the report of the nine-member Technical Advisory Committee, now chaired by academic Andreas Charitos.

According to Brief’s information, the revised minimum wage is likely to fall between €1,060 and €1,070, based on calculations tied to the median wage. Employers’ exercises suggest €1,040–€1,050, while unions propose €1,115. The 2025 median wage is estimated at around €1,975.

The employment of non-EU nationals has contributed positively to economic activity in 2025. Both employers and unions agree the national strategy needs updating, though each side prioritises different issues.

Unions argue that some employers do not follow agreed procedures for issuing work permits, while employers’ organisations cite excessive bureaucracy that delays recruitment and disrupts business operations due to labour shortages.

All these matters will be placed before the Labour Advisory Body, expected to convene in early December.