Publication Comparison of labour costs and competitiveness in the EU 2000 to 2019

Labour costs per hour worked are an important indicator for assessing the international competitiveness of economies. These costs can be influenced in the short term by economic policy and business management measures in order to improve competitiveness. This is particularly important in times of economic crisis. This article presents, compares and analyses the development of labour costs in the EU over the last two decades. A focus is on the change in Germany’s relative competitiveness compared to the other EU Member States in the period 2000-2019, with special consideration of the effects of the 2008-2009 financial and economic crisis. The results of the EU-wide and harmonised labour cost survey, which is conducted every four years, and the annual updates based on the labour cost index are used for this purpose.

Author: Martin Beck

Article published in "WISTA – Scientific Journal", 5-2020