IPE. Trade unions and the Pensioenfederatie have criticised plans by political parties that could incentivise workers to save less for their pension. The Pensioenfederatie, the association for pension funds in the Netherlands, has warned the plans will also lead to a delay in the planned switch to defined contribution (DC) arrangements, currently foreseen for 2026.
Liberal coalition partners VVD and D66 propose to make pension savings voluntary for annual incomes above €60,000 in order to increase the freedom of choice for workers. Some other parties, including Christian parties ChristenUnie and SGP and socialist party SP, want to lower the income threshold (currently €112,000) that exempt pension contributions from income tax to €80,000 or lower. “These proposals are not in line with the consultation on the new pension law,” a Pensioenfederatie spokesperson commented.
