Slovenia is giving all of its workers a $744 tax-free bonus in December, just in time for Christmas.
Slovenian prime minister Robert Golob’s plan, which was approved by parliament in November, gives the country’s million workers a one-off €639 bonus, which is equivalent to half the country’s €1,277 monthly minimum wage.
It follows similar measures in other European countries and a similar scheme which gives Slovenians a bonus in the summer.
Newsweek reached out to the Republican of Slovenia’s communication office by email to comment on this story.
Why It Matters
The policy has divided institutions and groups in Europe. The European Commission has warned that it breaks fiscal rules and Slovenian employers have raised concerns about the cost. On the other hand, Slovenian trade unions and workers are celebrating the move.
Meanwhile, the U.S. imported $6.4 billion from and exported $590 million to Slovenia in 2024. If the bonuses have an impact on Slovenian companies, this could affect their ability to trade with their partners. The bonus trend might also encourage other countries or employers to follow suit and affect multinational companies with operations in Slovenia.
What To Know
Workers in Slovenia also receive summer bonuses equivalent to one month’s salary in June. This is known as the “13th month’s pay.”
The new payment will be known as the “14th month’s pay.”
Employees who have worked in a company for less than one year, or part time workers are entitled to a proportional share of the Christmas bonus.
The Times reported that the measure will cost Slovenia at least €600 million
Slovenia is not the only country to offer the bonus scheme. In Portugal, Spain, Greece and Italy, most employees are legally entitled to a winter holiday bonus, which usually equates to one month’s salary.
What People Are Saying
Golob told reporters in September: “Based on the example of the holiday allowance, considered a kind of 13th-month pay, we intend to introduce mandatory Christmas bonus, or the 14th-month pay.”
When U.S. President Donald Trump met Golob in December 2024, Golob’s office said in a statement: “The conversation between the two leaders took place in a friendly spirit, and U.S. President Trump did not hide his enthusiasm for the homeland of his wife and her family,”
What Happens Next
The bonuses will be paid by most companies on December 18 but other companies that face cash flow programs and other issues have until the end of March to disburse their staff.