European Union to Raise Retirement Age, Some Nations May Work Until 74

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) projects that the average statutory retirement age in European Union member states will increase from the current mid‑60s to around 66‑67 years by the end of the 2060s. The rise is driven by rapid population ageing and pressure on pension systems.

Denmark is expected to lead the shift, with the retirement age potentially reaching 74 for future cohorts. Other countries such as Estonia, Italy, Sweden, Cyprus and the Netherlands are projected to see the age rise to 70‑71, while Finland and Slovakia may move to 69 and Portugal to 68. The lowest statutory ages will remain in Slovenia and Luxembourg at 62 for men, and Poland will keep the women's retirement age at 60.

Turkey is forecast to experience the largest increase, with men’s retirement age climbing from 52 to 65 and women’s from 49 to 63. The OECD notes that without extending working lives, pension system sustainability will be jeopardised as the share of people over 65 grows sharply.