On Friday 4 October 2024, during a press conference, Luxembourg’s Minister of Health and Social Security, Martine Deprez, presented the consultation process on the long-term viability of the pension system.
Following the coalition agreement, this initiative seeks input from civil society, prompted by a 2022 report highlighting that the current 24% contribution rate will no longer cover pensions from 2027.
The consultation will occur in two phases. Starting on Monday 7 October 2024, meetings will be held with various stakeholders including trade unions, business associations and youth representatives, among which: LCGB, OGBL, ACEL, Fondation IDEA, De Jugendrot, Fräie Letzebuerger Bauereverband and others.
Additionally, the public can share their views and make suggestions on what a sustainable pension system should look like in the future via the platform Schwätz mat! (www.pensioun.schwätzmat.lu) throughout October and November. A summary of these contributions will be regularly published on the website.
In early 2025, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security will release a public questionnaire, incorporating feedback from the consultations and the opinions collected via the platform. Expert groups will then analyse all contributions, with the final report set for spring 2025.
The Schwätz mat! platform provides information on the current pension system and the challenges it faces and it has as a goal to enable the public to engage in discussions, review meeting documents and follow the consultation process. Furthermore, it aims to provide a transparent summary of the stages of the consultation and participation process in progress as well as the stages to come.
"The launch of the platform allows the population to be widely involved in the reflection on the future protection of retirement. This type of participatory approach is essential to ensure that the decisions taken best reflect the needs and expectations of citizens," commented Minister Deprez.