Analysis of retirement age and life expectancy across Europe

A recent analysis by Euronews, utilizing 2024 data from the OECD and Eurostat, details significant disparities in retirement duration across European nations. The average retirement age in the European Union reached 64.7 years for men and 64 years for women in 2024. These figures form the basis for calculating expected years of pension receipt, accounting for variations in life expectancy once individuals reach retirement age.

On average, men in the EU are expected to live 18.4 years after retirement, while women can expect 21.8 years. Significant national differences persist: men in Bulgaria and Hungary face the shortest retirement periods at 14.7 years, whereas men in Luxembourg experience the longest within the EU at 22 years. In Greece, the expected duration is approximately 21 years. Other countries such as France, Slovenia, Switzerland, Malta, Cyprus, and Sweden also show figures exceeding the EU average.

This data underscores how demographic trends and life expectancy influence pension systems across the continent. While the figures provide a clear comparison of retirement longevity, the actual receipt of benefits remains contingent on meeting specific national criteria, such as minimum contribution periods and employment history.