Transition plan finalised: definitive agreements on the new pension scheme

The members of the employers’ and employees’ organisations have approved the transition plan. This clarifies what PME’s pension scheme will look like under the new pension rules. PME is targeting a switch on 1 January 2027, a year later than previously announced.

Arrangements outlined in transition plan

In March this year, the social partners established the main principles of the new pension scheme. In recent months, they fleshed out these principles and developed a so-called transition plan. The plan describes in detail the choices made by the social partners and the way the current pensions will be converted to the new scheme. A summary relevant to your situation is provided in English beneath. Want to know all the details? Read the full transition plan (in Dutch).

• I’m accruing a pension with PME
• I accrued a pension with PME in the past
• I receive a pension from PME
• I receive a partner’s pension from PME
• I receive an orphan’s pension from PME

Members of the social partners have agreed

When drafting the transition plan, VGPME, an interest group for PME pension recipients, was also consulted. The social partners subsequently presented the transition plan to their members—both employees from the sector and retirees—who have now given their approval.

PME aiming for a transition on 1 January 2027

The social partners originally aimed for the transition to occur on 1 January 2026. However, this proved unfeasible. Eric Uijen, chair of PME’s Executive Board, explained: “The transition to the new scheme involves significant changes. For instance, administrative systems need to be prepared for the future. Additionally, more coordination with all stakeholders is required than initially anticipated. A careful transition is our priority. We will take the time needed and are now targeting a switch on 1 January 2027.” Pension funds have until 1 January 2028 to adopt the new rules.

The new scheme in brief

The core of the new scheme is to keep what works well. This means you’ll continue to receive a pension for as long as you live, with security for your family. We will continue to invest for your pension, as this yields the best long-term results.

Some things will work differently in the new scheme. For instance, agreements will be in place regarding contributions to your pension. Moreover, your pension can go up more easily. It can also go down, but measures are in place to protect your pension as much as possible.

What this means for you

For now, nothing changes for you. Before the transition, you will receive a personalised overview. This will contain a comparison of your pension amounts under the old and new schemes. So, you will see the differences for you personally. Until then, we will keep you informed about the new pension rules. For more information, visit www.pmepensioen.nl/en/new-pension-rules.