France and Belgium face pension reform and retirement concerns

A June 2026 IFOP survey found that 76 % of French respondents consider the pension system unsustainable and 51 % want the legal retirement age lowered below 64. Trust is especially low among 18‑34‑year‑olds, with 87 % lacking confidence in future pensions.

France’s early‑retirement “career‑long” scheme allows workers who began before age 16‑21 to retire as early as 58‑63, provided they have accumulated the required 168‑172 quarters, with separate procedures for private‑sector employees and civil servants.

Fortuny promotes the Plan d’Épargne Retraite (PER) as a tax‑efficient way to build retirement capital. Voluntary contributions are deductible within legal limits, and the plan can be invested in euros, unit‑linked funds, real estate or diversified assets, with options for lump‑sum or annuity payouts at retirement.

Sabbatical leave, lasting 6‑11 months, is available to employees with at least three years’ seniority. While it can support personal projects or training, 25 % of participants report difficulty returning to work, and the right to unemployment benefits during the break varies by employer.

Belgium’s new pension reform, analysed by the Conseil de l’Égalité des Chances, projects a decline in average pensions and a widening gender gap. Women with short careers, part‑time work or insufficient days will face lower benefits, increasing economic insecurity for future retirees.