Martine Deprez, Luxembourg's Minister of Health and Social Security;
Credit: © M3S
On Wednesday 12 February 2025, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health and Social Security, Martine Deprez, presented the second phase of the "Schwätz mat! D'Zukunft vun eiser Altersofsécherung" ("Speak up! The secure future of our retirement") participation process.
In a statement, the ministry explained that the first phase of the consultation, which took place from 4 October to 2 December 2024, gathered the opinions of citizens, experts and stakeholders on the future of the pension system in Luxembourg. Thematic priorities were identified that will form the basis for further reflections in the coming weeks.
The second phase of the consultation process, known as the "dialogue phase", is based on two mechanisms:
- interactive online public participation, which is accessible in French or German, at: https://pensioun.schwätzmat.lu;
- a series of expert meetings, starting in March 2025.
This phase is structured around three central themes, which the ministry described as decisive for the future of old-age provision in Luxembourg:
- The adaptability of the pension system:
This involves considering the flexibility of the pension system in order to further consider the diversity of life paths. The discussions will focus in particular on the introduction of individual choices in terms of retirement age and contribution models.
- Sustainability of the pension system:
This section will address the financial stability of the pension system as well as its ecological and social implications. In the face of demographic changes such as population ageing and increased life expectancy, the issue of the long-term sustainability of the system will be examined.
- Equity of the pension system:
The focus will be on issues of intergenerational equity, protection of vulnerable populations and transparency of the system, to ensure a fair distribution of
resources for current and future generations.
The ministry stated that, following the public consultation, three expert groups, formed according to the themes defined during the first phase of consultation, will analyse the results of all discussions with stakeholders and the public.
Three expert meetings will be organised on the following dates:
- Friday 21 March 2025: Adaptability of the retirement age;
- Friday 4 April 2025: Equity in the pension system;
- Thursday 24 April 2025: Sustainability of the pension system.
The following experts and stakeholders have been invited to the meetings:
- Trade union and employer organisations: OGBL, LCGB, CGFP, UEL;
- Political representatives: Chamber of Deputies (one MP per political party and one representative from each political youth organisation);
- Civil society organisations and institutions: ACEL, Jugendrot, GERO, Entente des offices sociaux, CNFL, CSDD, MouvEco.
The discussions will be based on scientific presentations (notably from STATEC and LISER) and will allow for an in-depth examination of the avenues identified during the citizen consultation and to gather the expertise of the stakeholders concerned. The aim is to formulate recommendations that will serve as a basis for future political decisions.
The ministry added that the working meetings of the expert groups aim to develop concrete proposals and recommendations, to ensure the sustainability and fairness of the Luxembourg pension system, in order to have a solid basis for possible reform measures by summer 2025,
The consultation process will end with a final presentation and the publication of a summary report, which is planned for the end of May 2025.
HOM
