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Denmark Approves Law Raising Retirement Age to 70, Highest in Europe
Denmark is poised to have the highest retirement age in Europe. The Danish Parliament has approved legislation that will gradually increase the retirement age to 70 by the year 2040. This adjustment aims to align with increasing life expectancy and address long-term financial sustainability. The move has sparked debate, raising concerns about the impact on workers in physically demanding jobs.
Legislative Changes to Retirement in Denmark
Phased Implementation
Since 2006, Denmark has linked the official retirement age to life expectancy, reviewing it every five years. The current retirement age is 67. Under existing law, it will rise to 68 in 2030 and 69 in 2035. The new law will extend this progression further.
Eligibility Criteria
The increased retirement age of 70 will apply to individuals born after December 31, 1970.
Parliamentary Vote
The legislation was approved on Thursday with 81 votes in favor and 21 against.
Reactions and Concerns
Government Perspective
Last year, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of the Social Democrats indicated that the ‘sliding scale’ approach would eventually be revisited.
She stated, “We no longer believe that the retirement age should be increased automatically,” adding, “You can’t just keep saying that people have to work a year longer,” expressing reservations about continuous, automatic increases.
Worker Dissatisfaction
Tommas Jensen, a 47-year-old roofer, voiced his disapproval to Danish media, calling the change “unreasonable.” He elaborated on the physical challenges faced by blue-collar workers:
- “We’re working and working and working, but we can’t keep going.”
- He emphasized the disparity between desk jobs and physically demanding professions, suggesting that the latter would find the changes particularly challenging.
- “I’ve paid my taxes all my life. There should also be time to be with children and grandchildren,” Jensen told DK, highlighting concerns about reduced time for family life.
Trade Union Opposition
In recent weeks, protests, backed by trade unions, took place in Copenhagen to challenge the planned increase. Jesper Ettrup Rasmussen, chairman of a Danish trade union confederation, described the proposal as “completely unfair” before Thursday’s vote.
He added:
- “Denmark has a healthy economy and yet the EU’s highest retirement age.”
- “A higher retirement age means that [people will] lose the right to a dignified senior life.”
European Comparison: Varying Retirement Ages
Retirement ages throughout Europe vary, with many governments opting to raise them in response to increased life expectancy and fiscal pressures.
Examples of Other Countries
Sweden
In Sweden, individuals can begin claiming pension benefits as early as 63.
Italy
The standard pension age in Italy is currently 67, subject to potential adjustments based on life expectancy assessments in 2026, similar to Denmark’s model.
United Kingdom
In the UK, individuals born between October 6, 1954, and April 5, 1960, begin receiving their state pension at age 66. However, the state pension age will gradually increase for those born after this period.
France
In 2023, France passed legislation raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. The controversial change led to widespread protests and was enacted by President Emmanuel Macron without a parliamentary vote.