Life expectancy and years spent in retirement are rising across Europe. In response, many countries are increasing retirement ages. Denmark has already decided to raise the retirement age to 70 by 2040. Several other European countries have also passed laws to raise pension ages in the coming years. According to the OECD, Denmark will lead by 2060, with people retiring at age 74.
So, what are the current and projected retirement ages across Europe? Which countries have the highest retirement ages? Is there a gender gap in retirement ages? How will the retirement age differ between those retiring today and those just entering the workforce?
Euronews takes a closer look at retirement ages and future trends in Europe, based on the OECD’s Pensions at a Glance report.
As of 2022, the statutory retirement age for men in the EU ranged from 62 to 67, while for women it ranged from 60 to 67. When including the UK, EFTA countries, and EU candidate Turkey, Turkey stands out as a significant outlier, with retirement ages of just 49 for women and 52 for men.
The average retirement age in the EU is 64.7 for men and 63.8 for women.
