Fair Pensions Now!
To national governments of Europe and the European Commission
Petition
The European Union and national governments must commit to
- end pension poverty
- guarantee a dignified retirement for all Europeans
- ensure gender equality by maintaining the right to survivors’ pensions at adequate levels
We are specifically demanding the European Commission to
- come up with a binding directive setting a framework for minimum income, so that “everyone in old age has the right to resources that ensure living in dignity” as agreed to in the Pillar of Social Rights
- never force governments to cut pension spending or raise retirement ages through EU budget rules
Why is this important?
How do you feel about growing older these days? For so many people across Europe it feels less like planning for the future and more like bracing for it.
Wondering whether our savings will stretch far enough to afford a decent quality of life.
Just last week, thousands went on strike in Belgium against austerity and pension cuts. [1] From France to Italy to Spain, millions already took the streets demanding fair pensions. [2]
While people worry about their future, leaders fall back on their favourite line: tighten your belts.
Across the EU, national leaders are taking steps that could leave people working longer for less. [3]
We see that governments back off when the political cost gets too high. [4] A wave of public pressure can close that window fast.
Let’s ensure that no generation – young or old – has to cut its pension or delay retirement.
So, will you add your voice to protect our pensions?
References:
[1] https://euobserver.com/labour/ar67918671
[2] 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/
[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg71v533q6o
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/czech-lower-house-backs-gradual-rise-retirement-age-2024-11-08/
https://www.dw.com/en/will-germany-raise-retirement-age-beyond-67/a-73472863
https://www.belganewsagency.eu/belgium-introduces-new-pension-rules-in-2025
https://www.euronews.com/business/2025/10/15/germany-greenlights-2000-tax-free-earnings-for-pensioners
[4] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/14/french-pm-sebastien-lecornu-suspends-macron-pension-plan-before-no-confidence-vote