Poll shows widespread concern over unsustainable pensions in Europe

Europe's state pension systems are under increasing financial pressure due to aging populations and declining fertility rates, but a new YouGov poll shows that the public remains largely resistant to proposed reforms. While most Europeans agree that their pension systems are becoming unsustainable, they are opposed to solutions such as raising the retirement age, increasing taxes, or reducing pension payouts.

The survey, which covered six countries—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the UK—found that a majority of respondents in Italy, France, Germany, and Spain believe their state pension systems are already unaffordable, with figures ranging from 52% to 61%, The Guardian writes. 

In Poland, 45% shared this view, while in the UK, 32% of respondents agreed. Looking ahead, concerns deepened, with majorities in all six countries (49%–66%) predicting that by the time people currently in their 30s and 40s retire, their country's pension system will be financially unfeasible.

Despite these concerns, pensioners themselves appear more optimistic. In the UK, for example, 62% of retirees believe the state pension remains affordable, a sharp contrast to only 27% of non-retirees who feel the same way. However, across all six countries, a significant majority of respondents—ranging from 53% to 83%—agree that the amount retirees receive is too low, a sentiment that is especially strong among pensioners themselves.

While the financial strain on pension systems is acknowledged, many Europeans are unwilling to accept the measures needed to alleviate the pressure. The most contentious reform is raising the retirement age. In every country surveyed, majorities oppose extending the retirement age, with resistance ranging from 47% in France to 65% in Germany. Many respondents in the UK (38%) and other countries (ranging from 22% in France to 45% in the UK) believe the pension age should remain at 60 or 65.

Similarly, there is strong opposition to reducing the amount pensioners receive. In Germany, 81% oppose cuts to pension payouts, while 61% of respondents in Italy feel the same way. Increasing taxes on working-age people to fund pensions also faces significant opposition across the board. In contrast, there is some support for private or workplace pension schemes, with 57% of respondents in the UK in favor of mandatory contributions, and significant backing in Germany and France as well.

Another measure gaining some support is the idea of helping older workers remain in the workforce longer. This approach was favored by 57% of respondents in Poland, but support was much lower in Italy (27%), reflecting differing attitudes toward aging workers across Europe.

One suggestion that did gain more traction in certain countries was the idea of taxing wealthier pensioners. In Italy, 66% of respondents supported higher taxes on better-off retirees to fund higher pensions for those in need, while 52% favored denying high-income retirees a state pension. Across all six countries, a plurality of people (28%-55%) felt that wealthier retirees should contribute more to funding pensions for lower-income retirees, rather than placing the burden on younger generations.

The survey revealed a clear generational divide. Retirees were largely opposed to any reductions in their pension payments, while younger workers were more likely to reject proposals like raising the retirement age or increasing taxes on their group. 

By Sabina Mammadli