Faced with an ageing population and holes in public finances, many European countries are grappling with #reform of their #pension systems. In this programme, we compare and contrast the situations in two #EU member states, Denmark and Romania, and debate what constitutes a fair system of pension contributions. Ultimately, the discussion revolves around an age-old question: who should pay more, and who should pay less?
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In recent years, there has been a battle over pension reform in the European Union (EU), with the key question being: what is a fair retirement age? As life expectancy increases and pension systems face sustainability challenges, governments across EU member states find themselves grappling with the need to raise the retirement age. However, this issue is not without controversy, as it intersects with various economic, social, and cultural factors.
One of the primary reasons for the push toward pension reform is the demographic shift occurring across Europe. With birth rates declining and life expectancy on the rise, an aging population places an increasing burden on pension systems. Many countries are adjusting their retirement age to ensure the long-term viability of these systems, and avoid severe deficit problems. However, determining a fair retirement age is easier said than done, and opinions on the matter differ greatly.
Proponents of increasing the retirement age argue that it is the most logical response to these challenges. They argue that as people live longer and healthier lives, there is no reason why they shouldn’t work longer and contribute to the economy. Raising the retirement age not only helps sustain pension systems but also fosters greater intergenerational fairness, as it ensures that younger generations are not left with exorbitant tax burdens to support retired individuals.
On the other hand, opponents of increasing the retirement age claim that it unfairly penalizes certain groups, particularly those engaged in physically demanding jobs. They argue that individuals in professions that require intense physical labor, such as construction workers or healthcare professionals, may not be able to continue working until an older age. Moreover, some argue that this approach exacerbates inequality by disproportionately affecting those in lower socio-economic strata who tend to rely more on pensions.
Another aspect to consider when discussing the retirement age is cultural variation across EU member states. Some countries have a strong tradition of early retirement, viewing it as a reward for years of hard work and a deserved period of relaxation. For instance, countries like France and Greece have traditionally had lower retirement ages, which has been deeply ingrained in their societies. Therefore, any proposed changes to increase the retirement age in these nations tend to be met with significant resistance.
One possible solution to this contentious issue is to adopt a flexible retirement age system. This approach would take into account factors such as the type of profession, the physical demands of the job, and overall life expectancy. A more tailored approach could help avoid penalizing those who are unable to continue working past a certain age due to health reasons or the nature of their profession.
Ultimately, finding a fair retirement age in the EU is a complex and multifaceted task. Achieving a balance between sustainability, intergenerational fairness, social equality, and cultural expectations is no easy feat. Nevertheless, it is essential that EU member states engage in open and inclusive dialogue to address this issue and ensure the long-term viability of their pension systems. Only through comprehensive debate and a willingness to find common ground can a fair retirement age be determined that takes into account the unique contexts of each member state.
Translate worn down=smoking, drinking to excess and being overweight!!!
How are you going to force employers to employ older employees ? There is considerable “ageism bias” here in the USA.
A fair pension age depends on many factors. The individuals' health, the person's skills, the nature of the job and their productivity.
Just like one of the guests said it would be folly to demand of a roofer to work into their 70s.
And it's very hard to believe that all old people who cannot work the job they are qualified in, will become mall guards or cashiers.
A politician working at 70 is quite different from a metal worker at 70.
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Welcome to capitalism ,
Good bye humanity
In order to address labor shortages and pension costs, countries might look at providing a "partial pension" while allowing those people to work part time in the same or different field until they reach an older age when full pensions kick in.
If you don't work part time, no partial pension would be offered and you can fund it on your own. That would eliminate wealthier people from depleting the pension system.
Providing a larger pension for those who opt to remain working full time longer would also reduce the drain on pensions.
60
How about not working the poor to ☠️ or as close as possible to ☠️ and stop subsidising the billionaires?
Nevermind about pensions, we need to collect every single €uro to help Ukraine lose the war.
its not about fair its about how long your pension payments will last and how long you live
That's sad, really sad.