Germany Faces Challenges with Oldest Workforce in EU Amid Rising Retirement Ages
Germany's workforce is the oldest in the EU, with rising retirement ages and longer pension durations prompting concerns over pension system sustainability.
Pension and welfare policy
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Germany Proposes Major Shift Towards Private and Occupational Pensions in 2026 Reform
Germany plans a major 2026 pension reform focusing on boosting occupational and private pensions while maintaining st...
Rising Poverty Risk Affects Over 13 Million People in Germany in 2024
In 2024, over 13 million Germans faced a rising risk of poverty, with singles, single parents, and the unemployed mos...
All pension and welfare policy news
Germany Proposes Major Shift Towards Private and Occupational Pensions in 2026 Reform
Germany plans a major 2026 pension reform focusing on boosting occupational and private pensions while maintaining statutory safeguards amid demographic challenges.
Rising Poverty Risk Affects Over 13 Million People in Germany in 2024
In 2024, over 13 million Germans faced a rising risk of poverty, with singles, single parents, and the unemployed most affected, highlighting varied definitions and persistent socioeconomic challenges.
Germany Faces Challenges with Oldest Workforce in EU Amid Rising Retirement Ages
Germany's workforce is the oldest in the EU, with rising retirement ages and longer pension durations prompting concerns over pension system sustainability.
Beamtenbund Challenges Schleswig-Holstein's Controversial Aid Regulation in Court
The Beamtenbund union has filed expedited court proceedings against Schleswig-Holstein's aid regulation, protesting high healthcare self-contributions imposed on thousands of civil servants and retirees.
Diakonie Deutschland Supports Social State Reform Proposals with Caution
Diakonie Deutschland praises the social state reform proposals for improving service accessibility but warns against potential benefit cuts, particularly for low-income individuals and EU workers.
Rising Nursing Care Costs in Germany Demand Urgent Systemic Reforms, Warns Diakonie Leader
The Diakonie warns that rising nursing care costs in Germany are making care unaffordable for many and calls for systemic insurance reforms to protect vulnerable populations.
Controversy Erupts Over Bürgergeld Reform in German Bundestag
The German Bundestag debates the Bürgergeld reform amid sharp disagreements over stricter sanctions and priorities for welfare recipients.
SPD Faces Internal Criticism Over Bürgergeld Reform Amid Social Policy Debate
SPD Social Minister Bärbel Bas presented a Bürgergeld reform proposal in the Bundestag, but it faces internal criticism from SPD members questioning its effectiveness.
Markus Söder Proposes Overhaul of Germany's Health and Pension Systems at CSU Retreat
At the CSU winter retreat, Markus Söder calls for major reforms in Germany's health and pension systems to address demographic and economic challenges.
German Public Demands Political Accountability and Relief Measures for 2026
A survey reveals German citizens' political preferences and key concerns for 2026 alongside agricultural sector appeals for relief amid economic and regulatory pressures.
German Job Market Stagnation and Welfare Challenges Cast a Shadow on 2026 Prospects
Germany grapples with a stagnant job market and healthcare financial strains linked to welfare, prompting urgent calls for policy and system reforms in 2026.
Germany’s Social Contributions Could Exceed Half of Gross Wages by 2050, Raising Economic Concerns
Projections warn that by 2050, social contributions in Germany could exceed half of gross wages due to demographic shifts, raising economic sustainability questions.
German Expert Warns Social Contributions Could Exceed 50% by 2050 Amid Demographic Decline
Experts predict social contributions in Germany may surpass 50% of gross wages by 2050 due to demographic shifts and fewer working contributors.
Germany Faces Sharp Rise in Social Contributions by 2050 Amid Demographic Shifts
Germany is projected to see a significant increase in social contribution rates on workers by 2050 due to demographic changes and economic pressures.
CDU Criticizes SPD Leadership Over Bürgergeld Reform Blockades
The CDU criticizes SPD leader Bärbel Bas for obstructing Bürgergeld reforms and engaging in political tactics harmful to economic interests.
Germany Tightens Bürgergeld Rules, Restructuring Financial Assistance System
Germany restructures Bürgergeld with tighter requirements to better target financial aid to those in need.
Chancellor Merz Criticizes Long-Term Care Insurance Reform Proposal as Unsatisfactory
Chancellor Merz criticizes the recent long-term care insurance reform proposal as inadequate for ensuring sustainable and dignified elder care.
Germany Tightens Bürgergeld Regulations with Basic Security Reform and Home Visits
Germany reforms its Bürgergeld system by converting it into stricter basic security with new enforcement rules including home visits to recipients.
Unrealized Preventive Health Benefits Offer New Opportunities for German Workers
Many German workers remain unaware of expanded preventive health benefits that could improve their well-being and help sustain the pension system.
Company Pension Schemes Seen as Strategic Future Tools Amid Political Challenges
German businesses emphasize company pension schemes as essential strategic tools for workforce retention and sustainable retirement planning amid political uncertainties, with digital innovation and clear communication key to engaging younger employees.
German Coalition Government Faces Criticism Over Stalled Reforms Amid Pension and Healthcare Challenges
Germany's coalition government under Chancellor Merz faces mounting criticism for delayed reforms on pensions and healthcare amid economic and policy challenges.
Germany Faces Accelerated Aging and Population Decline, Challenging Pension and Care Systems
Germany's population is aging faster than expected, with implications for pensions, workforce, and care services amid regional disparities and population decline projections to 2070.
Federal Court Invalidates Pension Clause in Riester Contracts, Benefiting Hundreds of Thousands
The Federal Court has invalidated a pension payout clause in Riester contracts, benefiting many savers by preventing unfair reductions in expected pensions during low interest phases.
Germany Advances Pension Reform Debate with New Commission and Controversial Funding Statements
Germany launches a commission to explore pension reforms, with Labor Minister Bas endorsing contribution-based retirement age, amid debate over pension funding approaches.
Chancellor Merz Faces Rising Domestic Tensions Amid International Engagements and Pension Reform Debates
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz navigates coalition tensions, pension reforms, and international diplomacy amidst ongoing political controversies.
Critics Denounce Germany's 2025 Pension Package for Overburdening Future Generations and Silencing Youth Voices
Germany's 2025 pension package is criticized for its looming financial burden on future generations and the exclusion of youth voices from reform debates.
Critical Bundestag Vote on Pension Reform Tests Chancellor Merz's Leadership Amid Coalition Tensions
The Bundestag's December 5 pension reform vote not only determines policy but serves as a decisive test of Chancellor Merz’s leadership amid internal party divisions and coalition challenges.
Germany Faces Pension System Challenges Amid Calls for Political Clarity
Germany's pension system faces demographic and financial challenges, prompting urgent reform plans and demands from life insurers for clearer political guidance to secure retirement futures.
Experts Debate Reforms Amid Social Care Insurance Deficit in Germany
Health experts discuss urgent reforms to address the Social Care Insurance's financial deficits and structural challenges in Germany.
German Coalition Faces Growing Strains Over 2025 Pension Package
Germany's ruling coalition faces internal conflicts over the 2025 pension package amid fears of a Bundestag vote defeat, drawing parallels to historic coalition breakdowns.
Youth Opposition and Vote Uncertainties Mark Bundestag Pension Package Debate
Uncertainty over Bundestag pension package vote intensifies amid Junge Union opposition and shifting party support.
Germany Faces Economic Strain as Pension Reform Debate Intensifies Amid Industrial Decline
Germany struggles with ongoing industrial decline and a contentious pension reform debate threatening economic stability and government cohesion.
Internal Union Party Debate Intensifies Ahead of Bundestag Vote on German Pension Reform
The German Union party faces internal divisions over the government's pension reform ahead of a crucial Bundestag vote, with leadership striving to secure support amid concerns about younger members' opposition.
Germany's Pension Reform Debate Sparks Political Tensions and Calls for Broader Social Focus
Germany's pension reform debate intensifies as politicians call for broader social focus and coalition unity amid public and political scrutiny.
Union and SPD Reach Key Agreement to End Pension Dispute with Promises to Younger Union Members
The Union and SPD have agreed on a pension reform package with key concessions to younger Union members to end a persistent internal dispute.
German Coalition Reaches Tentative Pension Reform Agreement Amid Internal Union Opposition
The German coalition government has reached a tentative pension reform agreement, facing internal opposition from the Young Group over financial sustainability and awaiting further faction discussions.
Chancellor Merz Faces Bundestag Debate Over Delayed Social Reforms and Generational Impact
Chancellor Merz defends delayed social reforms and coalition policies amidst criticism over their generational impact during a Bundestag debate.
German Employers Criticize Government's Economic Policies at Berlin Employers' Day
German business leaders at Berlin's Employers' Day strongly criticize government pension reforms and minimum wage policies, calling for more ambitious economic reforms amid skepticism over social welfare expansion.
Germany Leads in Social Spending but Lags in Education Investment Amid Calls for Renewed Economic Commitment
Germany tops Europe in social spending but invests least in education; IG Metall urges renewed economic commitment and optimism.
German Businesses Voice Strong Dissatisfaction with Government Economic and Social Policies
A recent survey finds 77% of German companies dissatisfied with the current government's economic and social policies, highlighting concerns about bureaucracy, labor costs, and reform delays.