EU pension law – a unique field

Among scores of publications on the topic of pensions, there are remarkably few that focus on European pension law. Their focus is mostly local, often on domestic pension solutions and not on cross-border innovations. There is often reluctance to delve deeper into useful pension experiences from abroad as well. This book is different.

EU pension law is a relatively new and rapidly growing field. The call for knowledge of EU pension law and a broader practical understanding is growing, as pension markets are increasingly internationalized. More experts in this field are desperately needed.

This handbook contains a collection of relevant articles and offers necessary basic knowledge. More importantly, it contains interesting practical cases, creating a unique bridge between theory and practice. Whether you are a student, a committed policymaker, an experienced market practitioner, or ‘just’ someone interested in European pension developments, this handbook is designed for you.

European pension solutions in practice

The growing need for EU pension law knowledge is most striking in two areas. On the one hand, the effects of EU law are becoming increasingly prevalent on local pension markets, while on the other, it remains important in the European internal pension market.

In the local Member States, awareness about the influence of EU law is often limited. Pension provisions are based on local social, labour and tax law. This domain largely belongs to the mandate of the Member States and therefore falls outside the EU sphere of influence. It is often insufficiently recognized and acknowledged that EU pension law determines pension systems in Member States through other means. After all, Member States must comply with EU legislation and implement it in local legislation. In addition, we increasingly experience in legal practice how European law overrules local law.

This concerns, for example, the governance structure of pension institutions and competition legislation, property law and tax non-discrimination legislation, but also EU legislation on new pension products, investment and communication policy. The European Pensions Directive, which regulates pension institutions, is a good example of the enormous impact of EU law on local pension markets.