Denmark has recently made headlines for its ambitious plans to slowly raise its retirement age to 70 by the year 2040. With this change, Denmark will have the highest retirement age in the European Union. The effective retirement age is now 67, increasing to 68 in 2030, and 69 in 2035. This decision is the result of a years-long conversation about raising retirement ages across Europe. Our European neighbours France and Italy have made even bolder moves.
In 2023, President Emmanuel Macron unilaterally increased the retirement age from 62 to 64 in France. This decision led to massive protests and riots across the country. When Macron used an arcane procedure to force that change through his government-controlled parliament without a vote, the public revolted. In Italy today, workers are paid pensions starting at 67 years old.
In Denmark, a recent proposal to raise the age of retirement has been faced with massive resistance from all seven sectors of society. Trade unions have disrupted the climate talks and organized protests in Copenhagen. They are raising awareness about how this unprecedented increase will impact seniors’ quality of life. Jesper Ettrup Rasmussen, chairman of a Danish trade union confederation, denounced the new proposal as “completely unfair.” Each time, he vehemently opposed raising the retirement age, contending that it would remove seniors’ dignity in their later years.
Tommas Jensen, a 47-year-old from Denmark who works as a roofer, expressed similar feelings of excitement. He expressed frustration over the increased demands placed on workers, stating, “We’re working and working and working, but we can’t keep going.” Jensen, an EPIC member, stressed that after a lifetime of paying taxes and raising kids, retirees should have time to enjoy these next decades with their families.
“I’ve paid my taxes all my life. There should also be time to be with children and grandchildren.” – Tommas Jensen
Denmark’s government has linked the official retirement age to life expectancy since 2006, updating it every five years. This new approach is intended to help keep the state’s pension system sustainable for decades to come, as the state’s demographics change. In response to the agreement, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen suggested that the automatic heightening could still be considered in further negotiations.
“We no longer believe that the retirement age should be increased automatically.” – Mette Frederiksen
In the United Kingdom, individuals born between October 6, 1954, and April 5, 1960, begin receiving their pensions at the age of 66. If you were born after April 5, 1960, the state pension age is set to rise gradually to 70 for all those born after December 31, 1970. Moreover, Sweden set its initial pension benefits claiming age at 63.
As Denmark anticipates this major shift in its retirement policy, public reaction is divided. While some advocate for reforms aligned with increasing life expectancies, many citizens are concerned about the impact on their ability to enjoy their later years.
