The Danish Parliament has passed a new law that gradually increases the retirement age from 67 to 70 by the year 2040. With this decision, Denmark becomes the European country with the highest retirement age.
According to the law, the retirement age will increase to:
- 68 years in 2030
- 69 years in 2035
- 70 years for those born after December 31, 1970
The reform has sparked protests in Copenhagen, especially from labor unions, who have called the decision “unfair.”
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the mechanism linking retirement age to life expectancy will be reconsidered.
Retirement age is a sensitive issue across Europe, where increased life expectancy and budget deficits are pushing each generation to work longer than the one before.
As a result, Denmark’s decision appears to contrast with its reputation as a comfortable and prosperous Nordic state.
In comparison:
- In Sweden, pension benefits can still be claimed starting at age 63
- In France, there were massive protests when the government raised the retirement age from 62 to 64
- In the UK, people born between 1955 and 1960 generally retire at 66, with gradual increases for those born after 1960
