The report highlights that while European pension systems have protected retirees’ living standards in the face of global challenges, pensions are projected to decline over the next 4 decades, calling for strengthened policies to promote longer careers, healthy ageing policies, inclusive labour markets and greater flexibility in retirement arrangements. According to the findings, women in the EU receive on average 26.1% less pension income than men, and 5.3% of women receive no pension at all. These differences are due to gender pay gaps, shorter or interrupted careers and a higher number of part-time jobs. Pensions for former self-employed workers are projected to be one third lower than those of full-time employees with a similar career length. Workers on part-time or fixed-term contracts also face low earnings and fewer opportunities to accumulate pension rights. For people with severe care needs, long-term care costs can exceed pension income, highlighting the need for comprehensive social protection support.