The value of the renovation pension in Europe has such large differences that, in certain countries, retirees live with relative comfort, while in others they can barely cover basic expenses. Values vary significantly between states, reflecting both the solidity of the economies and the way each government organizes the social security system.
According to data from Eurostat and OECD, the European average surrounds the 1,344 euros monthly for over 65 years, which guarantees only a moderate purchase power. However, there are countries that can offer much more, standing out above the continental average and overcoming even some of the best known for their high level of life.
Among them is a small country that leads prominently: Luxembourg, where the average pension reaches 2,650 euros a month. The reality in this country, where they live between 90,000 and 94,000 Portuguese, contrasts with Eastern European countries, such as Bulgaria, where retirees live with about 226 euros a month, according to the Spanish newspaper Noticias Labor.
In Luxembourg, values vary depending on the contributory career. Those who worked a lifetime in the country receive an average of 3,570 euros, according to the official Guichet portal. Already those who divided their career between Luxembourg and another state are at 1,614.50 euros, often completed with external pensions.
Data in Portugal
In Portugal, the value of the renovated pension is defined by law and updated annually through government concierge. In 2025, according to Ordinance No. 440/2024, of 18 December, the minimum amounts of old age pensions and disability vary between 331.80 euros and 480.08 euros, depending on the contributory career. These values are based on Decree-Law No. 187/2007 of 10 May, which regulates the legal regime of social security pensions. In March 2024, there were about 2.12 million old age pensioners, most of them women (52.9%).
The annual update of pensions follows the formula defined in article 6 of Law No. 53-B/2006, of December 29, which takes into account the average inflation and GDP growth rate. For 2025, the same Ordinance No. 440/2024 established increases ranging from 1.85% to 3.85%, according to the different echelons of income, ensuring a reinforcement of the purchasing power of pensioners, according to data present in Diário da República.
In addition, the government approved an extraordinary supplement paid in September 2025, provided for in the State Budget Law to 2025 (Law No. 82/2024, of December 29) and realized by the Council of Ministers Resolution 74/2025. This support ranged from 100 euros and 200 euros, depending on the amount of the pension, covering more than 90% of Portuguese pensioners, as a measure of compensation in the face of inflation.
Spain rises to 1,505.9 euros
In Spain, the average pension by 2023 was 1,445.75 euros, but in June 2025 rose to 1,505.9 euros, according to the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, cited by the same source. Although above the European average, it remains below countries such as France, Italy or Belgium, where income is higher.
Switzerland and Norway below Luxembourg
Contrary to ideas made, Switzerland renovated do not lead the table. The middle pension is 2,137 euros, less than in Luxembourg. Norway, despite its robust system supported by energy revenues, guarantees an average of 2,438 euros a month.
Break between West and East
In East Europe, the difference is even more evident. Countries such as Poland, Hungary, Estonia or Slovenia have values far below average, and Bulgaria appears at the lowest end with only 226 euros monthly, according to the.
These renovated pension value disparities reflect the different wage and productivity levels: the stronger the economy and the higher the contributions, the more generous the reforms are. On the contrary, in countries with fragile economies and precarious jobs, the space for decent pensions is very small.
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