Overview

• The Danish Parliament voted 81–21 to gradually raise the state pension age to 70 by 2040, the highest in Europe, affecting those born after December 31, 1970.
• The retirement age will increase in phases, rising to 68 by 2030 and 69 by 2035, in line with Denmark’s policy of linking pension age to life expectancy.
• Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen acknowledged concerns, stating that automatic increases are unsustainable and advocating for a more equitable system.
• Trade unions and workers in physically demanding jobs criticized the reform as unfair, arguing it disproportionately affects blue-collar workers.
• The decision highlights demographic pressures on pension systems globally, with other nations like the UK and China also planning similar adjustments.