Participation in expert meeting on pension reform

At the invitation of the Ministry of Health and Social Security, the Mouvement Ecologique took part in the third expert round table on pension reform at Bourglinster Castle. During this round table, the Mouvement Ecologique explained that, in its opinion, the basic framework for financing pensions – substantial steady economic growth – must be questioned. The growth forecasts necessary for the stability of the social system would go beyond the country’s ecological limits, including the available water resources and biodiversity (Luxembourg is already considered the most urbanised country in Europe). In addition, the significant increase in population and cross-border commuters would result in serious investments: an expansion of infrastructure in all areas: Water management (supply and disposal), mobility network (public transport, roads…), affordable housing, schools… This would be associated with correspondingly very high costs and impassability. In addition, the model would mean that it would be worthwhile for more and more people in the Greater Region to travel ever greater distances to Luxembourg for work… The question is also whether a joint development model for Luxembourg and the border regions should finally be created.

The Mouvement Ecologique also spoke out  favour of reforms to the “Fonds de compensation”, which would have to meet far more stringent criteria for sustainable development. The aim of this fund is to use its financial reserves to secure the general pension system in the long term.

We would therefore not “only” be passing on the climate and biodiversity crisis to future generations, but also leaving behind a pension model that is not sustainable.

Unfortunately, this expert meeting did not result in a real exchange between the different points of view of the stakeholders represented there.