Occupational Pensions

Occupational pension funds in the EU benefit from the principles of free movement of capital and free provision of services. This means, for example, that:

• pension funds can manage occupational pension schemes for companies established in another EU country
• pan-European companies can have a single pension fund for all their subsidiaries throughout Europe

This freedom is counterbalanced by rigorous prudential standards, ensuring that pension fund members and beneficiaries are properly protected.

The rules governing the activities of institutions providing occupational pensions (IORPS) in all EU countries are set out in Directive 2003/41/EC.

Commission report on key aspects of the directive   (2009):

• calculation of technical provisions
• report on the application of investment rules
• adaptation of national supervisory systems
• cross-border custodianship.

For more on pensions, see:

• Pensions @ EU Social Security Coordination
• State pensions @ Your Europe - Citizens