The Dutch Federation of Pension Funds (Pensioenfederatie) has called for “stable and predictable” government policy in light of geopolitical and financial uncertainty, as pension funds continue the transition to the new pension system.

In a position paper sent to the House of Representatives ahead of a parliamentary committee debate on pensions on 29 January, Pensioenfederatie highlighted significant scale and technical demands facing pension funds, despite the transition progressing well.

For example, pension funds must carry out extensive benefit calculations while implementing major adjustments to IT systems and administration.

As of 1 January 2026, more than half of all workers and pensioners have successfully transitioned, representing over €500bn in pension assets.

The paper set out three key areas: the transition to the new pension system, Participants take centre stage in the transition, and pension fund investment policy.

Regarding communication, Pensioenfederatie stressed that participants must be informed about the reform in a timely and accessible way.

“This will be done in stages: from explanations about the why and when to personal forecasts and later definitive calculations. Pension funds will provide information at various levels and create opportunities for dialogue through meetings, webinars and Q&As.

“The risk preferences of participants are also central to the design of the new scheme, which is monitored by various supervisory bodies,” it stated.

On investment, Pensioenfederatie underlined the economic importance of the sector, which manages more than €1.6trn in supplementary pension assets.

Investment policy is guided by participants’ interests, risk management and cost awareness, it stated, while also incorporating sustainability risks and social impact considerations.

“Funds take risk preferences and sustainability risks into account and pay attention to social impact, avoiding abuses and investing in social challenges when this fits within the return target,” it said.

In addition, given the long-term nature of pension investing, Pensioenfederatie reiterated that consistent policy and transparent accountability are essential.

It also urged the government to make greater use of public-private financing mechanisms and to strengthen Invest-NL as a national investment institution to support impactful public-private investment.

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