The Dutch Pensioen Federatie (PF) has raised concerns about the potential impact of the government’s plans on various parts of the Pension Agreement while its implementation is still underway.

In a statement, PF chair, Ger Jaarsma, said it was positive that the new cabinet had emphasised the importance of the proper and careful implementation of the Pension Agreement, which will see all Dutch pension schemes moving to the new system by 2028.

However, he noted that some of the government’s proposals affected various parts of the Pension Agreement, which he described as a “cause for concern”.

Jaarsma highlighted the temporary suspension of indexation of the maximum pensionable salary, which would affect the pension ambitions of a “small but growing” number of Dutch people.

“This affects not only the old-age pension but also the survivor's pension,” he noted. “This measure should therefore certainly not become permanent.”

The PF chair also pointed to the proposal to accelerate the increase in the state pension age, and warned this was causing unrest among workers.

“It is important that the cabinet takes responsibility for these unforeseen changes in explaining them to workers, survivors, and pensioners,” he said.

Jaarsma noted that the PF believed the new government was ambitious about strengthening the Dutch economy and the investment landscape.

“Pension funds already contribute to societal challenges, provided this is profitable and aligns with their investment policy,” he continued.

“Think of investments in the energy transition, housing, and defence. They are willing to do more, provided they ensure a good return for participants.

“The PF, together with its members, is eager to continue this dialogue with the new government.”

---