Fair Pensions Now!
To the European Commission and the European heads of state and governments
Petition
The European Union and national governments must commit to
- End pension poverty.
- Protect pension rights from budget cuts.
- Guarantee a dignified retirement for all Europeans.
We are specifically demanding the European Commission to ensure that
- “Everyone in old age has the right to resources that ensure living in dignity”, as agreed to in the Pillar of Social Rights.
- EU budget rules and funding conditions never force governments to cut pension spending or raise retirement ages.
Why is this important?
After a lifetime of work, people deserve rest and security. Not punishment and fear.
But the message from those in power couldn’t be clearer: Work longer. Earn less. Expect nothing. [1]
Across Europe, pensions are under attack. Governments are being pushed to cut benefits and raise the retirement age, to meet demands from Brussels. [2]
That’s why we’re launching Fair Pensions Now — a new Europe-wide campaign demanding that the EU and national governments:
- End pension poverty,
- Protect pensions from budget cuts,
- Guarantee a dignified retirement for everyone.
Europe has promised us that “everyone in old age has the right to resources that ensure living in dignity.” [3] Now we’re holding them to that promise.
From France to Italy to Spain — millions are taking the streets demanding fair pensions. Whether that’s a stop to raising the retirement age or minimum pensions that prevent poverty. [4]
Now it’s time to unite these voices and make them impossible to ignore. Because the Europe we believe in treats its elders with care.
Will you join us?
References:
[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/14/french-pm-sebastien-lecornu-suspends-macron-pension-plan-before-no-confidence-vote
https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/10/15/germany-greenlights-2000-tax-free-earnings-for-pensioners
https://moneyweek.com/personal-finance/state-pensions/state-pension-age-review
[2] https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-funds-pension-systems-budget-legal-protests/
[3] European Pillar of Social Rights, Principal 15; https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/european-pillar-social-rights-building-fairer-and-more-inclusive-european-union/european-pillar-social-rights-20-principles_en
[4] https://www.dw.com/en/france-strikers-challenge-macrons-austerity-drive/a-74041438
https://www.euractiv.com/news/italy-braces-for-nationwide-general-strike-over-melonis-budget-plan/
https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/09/28/protests-for-fairer-pensions-march-in-madrid/