French pension conference proposes equilibrium age for retirement

The Conférence Travail Emploi Retraites has proposed several pathways for pension reform, most notably the introduction of an ‘equilibrium age’ (âge d’équilibre). This concept, distinct from the required contribution period, would allow individuals to retire earlier by accepting a significant and ‘dissuasive’ discount on their pension, or retire later with a bonus. The threshold for this age could fluctuate based on changes in life expectancy to ensure the system's long-term stability.

The guarantors of the conference noted that completely abolishing the legal retirement age would present ‘serious disadvantages,’ particularly for those with fragmented careers.

In addition to retirement age, the conference addressed professional hardship (pénibilité). Proposals include a collective mechanism to presume hardship for certain roles involving difficult postures or mechanical vibrations. This could be paired with end-of-career medical examinations that might grant access to early retirement or part-time work with maintained salary levels.

While some business representatives have expressed interest in the mobility of retirement ages, labor unions such as the CGT and Solidaires have rejected the ‘equilibrium age’ proposal, labeling it a ‘hypocritical way to postpone the retirement age without reform.’