gr.euronews.com
13% of EU Retirees Continue Working Post-Pension
13% of EU retirees continued working in the first six months of 2023, with half retaining their previous jobs; Baltic countries showed the highest rates (Estonia 54%), while Southern and Eastern European countries had the lowest, often due to less generous pension systems.
- How do post-retirement employment rates vary across different EU countries, and what factors contribute to these variations?
- The Baltic countries had the highest post-retirement employment rates, with Estonia at 54%, Latvia at 44.2%, and Lithuania at 43.7%. Conversely, Romania (1.7%), Greece (4.2%), and Spain (4.9%) had the lowest rates. Almost two-thirds of those continuing to work either enjoyed their work and felt productive or did so due to financial need.
- What are the long-term societal and economic impacts of differing pension systems on post-retirement work patterns in the EU?
- Post-retirement work patterns vary significantly across the EU, reflecting differences in pension systems. Countries like Luxembourg and the Netherlands offer generous pensions, reducing post-retirement financial pressure. In contrast, Southern and Eastern European countries have systems largely based on previous salaries, resulting in higher rates of continued work due to economic necessity.
- What percentage of EU retirees continued working in the first half of 2023, and what are the immediate implications of this trend?
- In the first six months of 2023, 13% of EU retirees continued working after receiving their old-age pension. About half kept their previous jobs, while the other half changed jobs or reduced their hours. This data comes from Eurostat's latest EU Labor Force Survey (EU-LFS).
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the issue around the percentage of retirees continuing to work, highlighting the variations between countries. This emphasis might unintentionally downplay the potential issues related to aging populations and the sustainability of pension systems. The quote from Jelle Lossbroek is presented early, potentially influencing readers' perceptions.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and objective, relying on statistics and expert quotes. However, descriptions like "generous pensions" and "less generous systems" carry implicit value judgments that could subtly influence reader perception. More neutral alternatives might be 'higher pension payments' and 'lower pension payments'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the percentage of retirees continuing to work and the reasons behind it, but it omits discussion on the potential impact of this trend on social security systems or the labor market. It also doesn't delve into the specific policies of each country that might influence the decision to continue working after retirement. While acknowledging limitations of scope might excuse some omissions, more context would improve the analysis.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a dichotomy between countries with generous pensions (like the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and those with less generous systems (Southern and Eastern Europe). However, it simplifies a complex issue. Pension systems vary significantly within these regions, and other factors like healthcare costs and cultural attitudes also play a role.
Gender Bias
The article doesn't provide a breakdown of the data by gender, omitting any potential gender disparities in the decision to continue working after retirement. This lack of information limits a complete understanding of the phenomenon.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights that 13% of EU retirees continued working in the first six months of 2023, indicating a positive contribution to economic growth and highlighting the importance of flexible work arrangements for older adults. Many continued working due to enjoyment and productivity, suggesting fulfilling work opportunities. The high percentages in Baltic countries also suggest regional variations in retirement and employment practices. Conversely, the lower percentages in countries like Romania, Greece and Spain highlight disparities in retirement systems and economic security.