Press Release
PensionsEurope welcomes the EC’s pension package for supplementary pensions
BRUSSELS, 20th of November 2025 – PensionsEurope welcomes the publication of the pension package to boost supplementary pensions with the intention to help ensure adequate retirement income (communication available here).
Klaus STIEFERMANN, the Chair of PensionsEurope said:
‘’It is early to fully evaluate the new package; however, the EC supplementary pension package comes at a time that statutory pensions are challenged due to demographics more than ever. Increasing funded pension provision is of vital importance for providing good income replacement at all age. Different aspects of the proposals need to be further analysed and evaluated to be sure that they are fit for purpose.”
PensionsEurope stresses that pension funds are long-term investors with the primary objective of delivering adequate pensions to their members and beneficiaries. For this reason, pension funds need a well-designed regulatory framework to function properly.
In the European Union, pensions are based on unique cultural, historical, and political factors, and are deeply rooted in national social, labour, and tax laws.
For this reason, it is vital that any EU initiative for pensions must take into consideration the existing diversity, subsidiarity, proportionality, and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.
As part of the Saving and Investment Union, PensionsEurope welcomes the willingness to develop supplementary pension schemes across the EU. This is a positive development from a social, but also from a financial perspective.
Matti Leppälä, the Secretary General of PensionsEurope emphasized that:
‘’ Special emphasis should be given in maintaining well established pension systems and not disrupting well developed pension models in member states with a long tradition of social partners’ engagement.’’
We are generally supportive of EC’s non-legislative recommendations, which can have a positive impact under certain conditions in increasing coverage and improving information to member and beneficiaries and the public. In addition, existing EU policy tools such as the European Semester can and should be used to support and encourage Member States to develop and keep good funded pensions.
IORP II Directive increased costs significantly, especially for small and mid-sized IORPs. The proposed changes need to take into consideration the national specificities and the characteristics of the sector.
PensionsEurope is supportive to have a workable new PEPP framework which can increase pension coverage in countries with no well-established supplementary pension structures. However, existing structures need to be respected and remain undisruptive.
PensionsEurope will continue to engage with policymakers on the relevant issues in the process of the upcoming ordinary legislative process in the coming months.
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Please contact info@pensionseurope.eu
