The gender pension gap in Europe - In the EU, women receive significantly less than men
The gender pay gap is a well-observed phenomenon across Europe. In the EU, women earned 12% less than men in 2023, according to Eurostat, meaning women earned just €88 for every €100 earned by men.
The gap is even wider when it comes to pensions. In 27 European countries, including non-EU countries, women receive significantly lower pensions than men. On average, women's pension income is 22% lower than men's. In some major economies, the gap exceeds 35% - according to the OECD.
In 2024, the gender gap in pensions ranged from around 6% in Estonia to 37% in the UK. The OECD average is 23%, and the European average for the 27 countries on the list is 22%. This means that, on average across Europe, women receive just €78 in pension income, while men receive €100.
The gender gap in pensions is over 30% in some countries. In addition to the UK, these included the Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland and Ireland.
Differences between countries reflect variations in stereotypical gender patterns of care work and household responsibilities. Conservative welfare states such as Germany combine high rates of part-time work for women, long career breaks, and joint taxation of families, all of which widen this gap.
In contrast, the Nordic countries and some Central and Eastern European countries tend to exhibit much smaller gender gaps in pensions. In these countries, women's full-time employment histories tend to be more similar to those of men, childcare is widely available, and pension systems include more redistributive elements or credits for years of care.
Among the 27 countries, the gender pension gap increased by 2 percentage points in only three of them: Austria, Estonia and Belgium. In all other countries, the gap decreased, although the change was very small in some cases.
Venezuela seeks cooperation from US - after Trump says further attacks are possible
Venezuela's acting president offered cooperation with the United States on an agenda focused on "joint development," using a conciliatory tone for the first......
Works begin at Llixhat e Bënjës, Përmet/Rama: Conditions to welcome visitors to the enchanting nature
One of the most visited tourist spots in Përmet, Llixhat e Bënjës, has undergone a redevelopment process, which is expected to be completed in March of this......
135 euros more for white shirts/ How have the salaries of doctors and nurses changed over the years?
The white shirts have returned to the government's attention. At the end-of-year conference, Prime Minister Rama announced that there will be a salary......
"Fiscal peace", a new chance for large businesses/ Turnover over 14 million lekë, redeclaration and prepayment of corporate tax
Since January 1, the "Fiscal Peace" has come into force, which aims to create a more cooperative relationship between the tax administration and large......
10% VAT compensation for farmers in force/ Scheme supports production costs and increases transparency
Since the beginning of the year, farmers who market their products through formal channels have benefited from a new financial support scheme. This is a 10%......
Minimum wage, how much will insurance for employees increase? The maximum also changes, high wages are negatively affected
Starting from January 1, 2026, the minimum monthly basic wage, mandatory for every employer, will be 50,000 lek (up from 40,000 lek previously). This level......
Need or success? Why do Albanian emigrants return? Family reasons dominate. Only 6% have achieved their financial goals
Albania is experiencing a significant increase in emigrants returning to the country, but their integration into the labor market remains a serious......
Implementation of the law on the formalization of seasonal workers begins/ Aim: to reduce the gray economy and increase security
The implementation of the seasonal workers law has begun in North Macedonia, with the aim of reducing the gray economy and increasing security. According to......
