Denmark’s bold move to push retirement age to 70

In a recent report, BBC points out that Denmark is raising the bar — literally — on when people can retire, setting its sights on a retirement age of 70 by 2040. 

The new law, passed with 81 votes in favor and 21 against, will apply to people born after December 31, 1970.

Since 2006, Denmark has tied the retirement age to life expectancy, reviewing it every five years. The current retirement age is 67 but will rise to 68 in 2030 and to 69 in 2035 before reaching 70 in 2040.

However, Social Democrat Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen voiced concerns last year, saying the automatic increase rule would eventually be reconsidered. “We no longer believe that the retirement age should be increased automatically,” she said, adding, “you can’t just keep saying that people have to work a year longer.”

The decision has sparked criticism from workers and trade unions alike. Tommas Jensen, a 47-year-old roofer, called the increase “unreasonable.” He told Danish media, “We’re working and working and working, but we can’t keep going.” Jensen noted that physically demanding jobs make the extension particularly challenging and stressed the importance of having time with family: “I’ve paid my taxes all my life. There should also be time to be with children and grandchildren.”

Trade unions have actively protested the rise in retirement age in Copenhagen, with Jesper Ettrup Rasmussen, chairman of a Danish trade union confederation, calling the proposal “completely unfair.” He criticized Denmark’s position as having “the EU’s highest retirement age” despite its strong economy, warning it threatens “the right to a dignified senior life.”

Across Europe, retirement ages vary. Sweden allows pension claims from age 63, Italy’s standard is 67 (with possible increases), and the UK is gradually raising pensions beyond age 66. France recently raised its retirement age from 62 to 64, a change that sparked widespread protests and was pushed through parliament without a vote.

By Naila Huseynova