According to Eurostat data, 56.4% of self-employed pensioners in the European Union continued working after receiving their first pension. The highest percentages of self-employed pensioners continuing to work were recorded in Sweden (98.4%), Finland (88%), and Ireland (87.7%), while the lowest shares were in Spain (18.2%), Greece (20.3%), and Slovenia (40.4%). More than half of employed pensioners worked part-time, which is significantly higher compared to employed non-pensioners (16.2%). These data indicate a trend of extended working life and active participation of pensioners in the EU labor market.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the social and economic factors driving pensioners to continue working, such as inadequate pension benefits and the need for financial security. They may highlight the challenges faced by older workers and advocate for better social protections and pension reforms.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the statistics objectively, focusing on the data and trends without strong editorializing. They present the information as a reflection of demographic changes and labor market dynamics in the EU, noting the high participation rates in some countries and lower in others.
Right: Right-leaning media often frame the continuation of work by pensioners positively, emphasizing personal responsibility, the benefits of staying active, and the economic contributions of older workers. They may also discuss the implications for pension system sustainability and labor shortages.
