The 2026 ETK Pension Research Forum showcased topical pension research
The Finnish Centre for Pensions (ETK) continues to advance international collaboration in pension research by hosting the second pension research forum earlier this week.
Blogs
Should pensions be cut?
The question of cutting pensions has been in the headlines and has sparked debate, particularly since the Finnish Economic Policy Council published its report on 2 February 2026. Although pensions were not the main focus of the report, issues such as pension entitlements during unsalaried periods, survivors’ pensions and, more broadly, reducing pension benefits to ...
Addressing financial hardship throughout the life course can improve pension adequacy
Our latest study shows that experiencing financial problems during the early and mid-life course does not necessarily bear negative consequences for one’s pension income in old age. However, a better understanding of the connections between economic wellbeing in earlier and later life helps in shaping better policies for ageing societies.
Who is considered an employee and who is self-employed?
Many people are unclear about how employment should be insured. The situation is clear from the point of view of earnings-related pension law: people who carry out work for pay are insured either as employees or as self-employed.
ETK Pension Research Forum debuts with new evidence on pension reforms
The Finnish Centre for Pensions (ETK) hosted its first Pension Research Forum in March 2025, marking a milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote international collaboration in pension research.
Preparing for your European summer gigs – Don’t forget your A1 certificate
Summer and festival season is just around the corner, and if you are hitting the road for a European tour, there are a few important things to keep in mind. One crucial item on your checklist should be the A1 certificate, especially if you’re a freelancer.
Pension reform recommendations in the EU socioeconomic governance
Demographic ageing has sparked the European Commission to recommend countries to introduce pension reforms. In our article ‘Financial sustainability above all else?’, we analyse the recommendations given in the framework of EU socioeconomic governance between 2011 to 2023. How well do these recommendations match the objectives set by the Social Protection Committee in the Open Method of Coordination (OMC)?
Surplus of Finnish Pension Institutions and the Commission’s Debt Calculation – What Happened?
The financing of Finland’s statutory pensions is unique because part of the pension contribution is funded. In the national accounts, the surplus of Finland’s pension institutions is considered in the financial balance of public entities. The surplus of pension institutions reduces the deficit of public entities. The European Commission recently changed its long-term debt calculations, and the surplus of pension institutions is no longer assumed to reduce public indebtedness. What is this all about?
European comparison: How do low-income pensioners manage in everyday life?
In Finland, people over 65 on low incomes struggle to pay for unexpected expenses, our new research shows. Paying for usual expenses is easier. Compared with other European countries, older people in Finland are much less likely to experience income problems.
Bridging the gender pension gap: Insights from Finland
Despite Finland’s reputation for equality, the gender pension gap is significant in the country. An online calculator has been launched to tackle the gap by providing information on how family leave affects pension accrual. While the tool provides useful information, its impact remains limited. Bridging the gender pension gap will require tackling the wider gender pay gap.