SLOVENIA: THE "PROMISED LAND" FOR JOB SECURITY AND HIGH LIVING STANDARDS

Known as the "promised land" among former Yugoslav countries, Slovenia boasts an unemployment rate of just 4.5% (2023 data) and ranks among the best in the world for quality of life.

PHOTO: Pixa bay

For years, Croatians have been leaving their homeland for Germany, Ireland, and even Scandinavia in search of better opportunities. However, new data suggests their "promised land" might be closer than they think.

The Slovenian government and unions have signed a sectoral collective agreement introducing a pay raise framework for the public sector, effective until 2028. The agreement will impact approximately 190,000 public sector employees, with basic salaries expected to rise by an average of 19%, equating to a gross increase of €380 on average.

The new pay scale comprises 67 levels, reducing the difference between levels from 4% to 3%. The ratio between the highest and lowest salaries will now be 1:7. For 2024, the base salary at the lowest level will equal the minimum wage of €1,253.90 gross, while the highest level will reach €8,821.04 gross.

Specific examples highlight the benefits for public sector workers:

- Police officers and professional soldiers: Starting salary €1,636 gross (34% increase).

- Customs officers, judicial police, and firefighters: Starting salary €1,685 gross (38% increase).

- Teachers: Salaries rising by 28%, averaging €2,135 gross.

- Midwives and nurses: Starting salary €1,736 gross; intensive care nurses will earn €1,897 gross.

- Specialist doctors: Salaries reaching €4,890 gross.

Slovenia remains one of Central Europe's most successful transitional economies, consistently ranking high for quality of life, with strong healthcare, education, and social policies, as reported by Telegraf.