11/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - Most recent labour cost data. According to the most recent estimates from the EU statistical office, Eurostat, published on Wednesday 10 April, average hourly labour costs in the whole of the EU economy (excluding agriculture and public administration) were estimated to be €23.4 in the EU27 and €28 in the euro area. This average cost increased in the whole economy, excluding agriculture and public administration, by 8.6% in the EU and by 8.7% in the euro zone between 2008 and 2012. Although Bulgaria experienced the highest rise (46%), it remains the country with the lowest labour costs of all member states. With its €3.7 costs, Bulgaria provides the perfect illustration of labour cost disparities in the EU. Sweden is the champion in this league table, with estimated labour costs of €39. (JK/transl.fl)