Europe is experiencing an increase in life expectancy, leading many countries to raise the retirement age. Denmark has already decided to increase the retirement age to 70 by 2030, and according to OECD projections, by 2050 the average retirement age in the EU will be around 66.7 years for men and 66.4 years for women. There are differences between countries and a gender gap in retirement age, but the trend is clear — the retirement age is rising in response to longer life expectancy and higher pension system costs.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the social impact of raising the retirement age, highlighting concerns about workers’ rights, the burden on lower-income and physically demanding jobs, and the need for stronger social safety nets. They often critique the policy as favoring economic austerity over social welfare.
Center: Center-leaning sources present the increase in retirement age as a necessary adjustment to demographic changes and economic realities. They focus on the data from OECD and EU reports, explaining the rationale behind the reforms and the variations between countries, while acknowledging the challenges faced by workers.
Right: Right-leaning media emphasize fiscal responsibility and sustainability of pension systems. They support raising the retirement age as a pragmatic solution to longer life expectancy and the financial strain on public pensions. They often highlight the importance of individual responsibility and the need to adapt to changing economic conditions.
