Poland has received a set of recommendations from the European Commission aimed at strengthening the country’s pension system. The guidelines call for extending the effective retirement age and reducing the risk of old-age poverty among women. Brussels stresses that these changes are crucial for the long-term stability of the pension system.
The European Commission presented the spring package of the European Semester 2026, which includes country-specific recommendations for all member states. The European Semester is an annual cycle of coordination of economic and social policies within the EU. In its report on Poland, the Commission assessed the country’s economic and social developments and the degree of implementation of previous recommendations adopted by the Council in 2025.
The Commission will now ask the Council of the EU to discuss the spring package and adopt the proposed guidelines. For Poland, the key expectations include measures to increase the adequacy and sustainability of the pension system.
Key recommendations for Poland
According to information provided by PAP Biznes, the recommendations for Poland include raising the effective retirement age, addressing the problem of pension poverty among women and the self-employed, and reforming special pension schemes. A representative of the European Commission, quoted by PAP Biznes, stated that it is important for Poland to take action to ensure the adequacy and stability of the pension system.
– We observe that over the last 20 years the ratio of the average pension to the average salary in Poland has been declining – said the EC representative.
Focus on women’s pensions and special schemes
One of the most pressing issues identified by the Commission is the high risk of old-age poverty among women. Lower lifetime earnings, career breaks for childcare, and longer life expectancy contribute to significantly lower pensions for women compared to men. The Commission recommends targeted measures to close this gap, such as better crediting of childcare periods and improving the design of the pension system to be more gender-equitable.
Another area of concern is the reform of special pension schemes, which cover certain professional groups such as farmers, miners, and uniformed services. The Commission argues that these schemes often have more favourable rules, which puts additional strain on the public finances and creates inequalities within the system.
Long-term sustainability at stake
The demographic outlook for Poland remains challenging. With a rapidly ageing population and a shrinking working-age base, the current pension system faces growing pressure. The Commission’s warning is clear: without decisive reforms, the system’s long-term financial sustainability is in jeopardy. Raising the effective retirement age is seen as the most effective single measure to keep the system solvent.
The Polish government has yet to respond formally to the recommendations. However, the issue is politically sensitive, as any move to raise the retirement age is likely to meet resistance from trade unions and parts of the electorate. The debate is expected to intensify as the European Council moves toward adopting the final guidelines.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. PAP/Marcin Obara
