Labour costs growth in Romania, Bulgaria highest in EU in Q2 - Eurostat

Labour costs in Romania were 12.4% higher year-on-year in the first six months of 2019, while in Bulgaria they grew by 11.0%, Eurostat said in a statement.

Hourly labour costs in Romania increased in the review period mainly due to higher wage and salaries costs. In Bulgaria, hourly labour costs rose due to higher non-wage costs.

From all EU member states in Southeast Europe (SEE) only Greece and Croatia recorded increases in hourly labour costs below the EU average of 3.1% in the second quarter.

Details on hourly labour costs follow (pct change):

source: Eurostat