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The Netherlands has the best pension system in the world

KEY FACTS

  • The Netherlands has the best pension system in the world, according to the latest annual ranking of the Mercer consulting company and Monash University, Australia, BTA reports.
  • The Netherlands tops the ranking, which includes the pension systems of 48 countries, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, China, and India, the New site reports.
  • Finland is second in the ranking, followed by Iceland, Israel and Singapore. At the bottom of the ranking are India, Argentina, Turkey, and the Republic of South Africa.

KEY CONTEXT

According to the researchers, the Dutch pension system is distinguished by the fact that many of the country’s residents accumulate a pension through work. This means that the system has many participants. It also provides good pensions and has good rules.

The researchers see as good the fact that the Netherlands is moving to a new system where the amount of the pension depends more and more on individual choice. The fact that the participants are consulted about this choice is a plus, Mercer reports.

KEY QUOTE

“Strong regulations and flexibility, for example in relation to the start date, ensure a sustainable pension system,” said pensions expert Mark Hemskerk of Mercer.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The Netherlands could further improve its pension system by reducing the level of household debt and providing greater protection for members’ accrued benefits. The researchers also recommend introducing pension credits for carers of young children.

Electric Vehicle Leaders Urge EU To Maintain 2035 Zero Emission Mandate

Industry Voices Emphasize the Importance of Commitment

Over 150 key figures from Europe’s electric car sector, including executives from Volvo Cars and Polestar, have signed a letter urging the European Union to adhere to its ambitious 2035 zero emission goal for cars and vans. These industry leaders warn that any deviation could hamper the progress of Europe’s burgeoning EV market, inadvertently strengthen global competitors, and weaken investor confidence.

Evolving Perspectives Within the Automotive Community

This call comes in the wake of a contrasting appeal issued at the end of August by heads of European automobile manufacturers’ and automotive suppliers’ associations. That letter, endorsed by the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kaellenius, argued that a 100 percent emission reduction target may no longer be practical for cars by 2035.

Discussion With EU Leadership on The Horizon

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with automotive industry leaders on September 12 to deliberate the future of the sector. Facing stiff challenges such as the rise of Chinese competition and the implications of US tariffs, the stakes for the EU’s policy decisions have never been higher.

Potential Risks of Eroding Ambitious Targets

Industry leaders like Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, caution that any weakening of the targets could undermine climate objectives and compromise Europe’s competitive edge in the global market. Michiel Langzaal, chief executive of EU charging provider Fastned, further highlighted that investments in charging infrastructure and software development are predicated on the certainty of these targets.

Regulatory Compliance And The Mercedes-Benz Exception

A report from transport research and campaign group T&E indicates that nearly all European carmakers, with the exception of Mercedes-Benz, are positioned to meet CO₂ regulation requirements for the 2025-2027 period. To avoid potential penalties, Mercedes must now explore cooperation with partners such as Volvo Cars and Polestar.

Conclusion

The industry’s unified stance underscores the critical balance between environmental aspirations and maintaining competitive advantage. With high-level discussions imminent, the EU’s forthcoming decisions will be pivotal in shaping not only the future of the continent’s automotive sector but also its global positioning in the race towards sustainable mobility.

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