Belgium: employers stir up heated debate on pension reform

Base pensions on life expectancy. Inversely, life expectancy has been increasing since the 1970s. “In 1975, people lived, in average, until 75; now they live until 85” explained Klaas Soens, researcher at the FEB’s social unit. Therefore, the employers’ organization proposes to follow the Swedish system and include “life expectancy” in the way pensions are calculated. “Today, they are only based on the number of years worked – or equivalent – and this system isn’t viable!” Peter Timmermans, FEB general secretary, protested. “In fact, our goal is to increase the activity rate of people over 50 – one of the lowest in Europe” he went on. Indeed, around 64% of workers over 55 are allegedly ‘not available,’ i.e. not able to perform a professional activity. Another idea is to encourage supplementary pensions and revise early retirement (prépension) which Klaas Soens claims to be “too appealing.” “Early retirement should only apply in exceptional circumstances, i.e. restructuring for instance.”
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

e “life expectancy” in the way pensions are calculated. “Today, they are only based on the number of years worked – or equivalent – and this system isn’t viable!” Peter Timmermans, FEB general secretary, protested. “In fact, our goal is to increase the activity rate of people over 50 – one of the lowest in Europe” he went on. Indeed, around 64% of workers over 55 are allegedly ‘not available,’ i.e. not able to perform a professional activity. Another idea is to encourage supplementary pensions

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
Germany: a high-tension start to the social and political year
The German government must finalize its major reforms (pension funding, corporate competitiveness, and labor law) while the chancellor’s popularity hits an all-time low and three regional...
Sweden: IF Metall union forced to end industrial dispute with Tesla
The news. After three years of conflict, the Swedish union IF Metall announced it would suspend its strike actions against Tesla starting Wednesday, August 19, after the American automaker...
Canada: a sustainability due diligence proposal on forced labour submitted for consultation
The facts. On July 27, the Canadian government launched a consultation to introduce mandatory corporate due diligence measures regarding forced labor. It plans to require risk identification, the...
25 August 2026
United Kingdom: trade unions can now use electronic and workplace voting
The news. The provisions of the UK Employment Rights Act 2025 authorising electronic and workplace voting for trade union ballots came into force on Tuesday, 25 August. They apply to trade union...