Overview

• Germany’s labor ministry, cited by dpa, reports that 42% of statutory old-age pensioners receive less than €1,000 per month.
• The DRV’s 2024 report puts the average monthly pension at €1,154, with a pronounced gap between men (€1,405) and women (€955).
• Germany implemented a 3.74% pension increase on July 1, 2025, yet debates over adequacy and fairness continue.
• Austria’s coalition plans full inflation compensation only for pensions up to €2,500 from 2026, with higher pensions getting a fixed €67.50 per month; cabinet approval is still pending and expected savings are about €350 million per year and €1.4 billion over the term.
• Practical calculations show that taxes and mandatory health and care contributions (10.95%) reduce take-home income, even on a €1,600 gross monthly pension.