PENSIONABLE AGE
| BELGIUM |
| PENSIOENSGERECHTIGDE LEEFTIJD AGE DE RETRAITE PENSIONABLE AGE |
Up until 1991, the pensionable age in Belgium was 65 for men and 60 for women. This regulation was contrary to European Community law in the sense that the time at which active employment is terminated should be the same for both men and women (Marshall case).
The issue remained under debate for some considerable time, the employers' view being that the age should be raised to 65 for everyone, while the unions advocated lowering it to 60 for everyone. The legislators eventually intervened and opted for a flexible pensionable age: since January 1, 1991 all men and women have been free to choose their pensionable age between 60 and 65. The only exceptions are recipients of bridging pensions, who have to wait until the age of 65, and underground miners, who are still able to retire earlier.
Please note: the European industrial relations glossaries were compiled between 1991 and 2003 and are not updated. For current material see the European industrial relations dictionary.