EUI Pension Scheme

Why the EUI Pension Scheme Matters

A secure and predictable pension

The EUI pension scheme is designed to provide long-term financial security by offering:

• A monthly pension for life after retirement
• Pension rights based on salary and length of service
• Inflation-adjusted benefits
• Institutional backing through the EUI budget

The scheme is governed by the EUI Staff Regulations.

Plan your future with confidence. The scheme helps protect your quality of life during retirement.

How the Scheme Is Funded

The pension scheme is financed jointly by the EUI and its staff:

A dedicated Pension Reserve Fund supports the long-term sustainability of the scheme, while pension payments remain guaranteed through the EUI budget.

Building Your Pension

As you work at the EUI, you gradually accumulate pension rights.

Key facts

• Eligibility for an EUI retirement pension begins after 10 years of service
• Pension rights accrue at 1.8%, 1.9% or 2% per year, depending on your date of entry into service
• Retirement is generally possible between 58 and 66 years of age
• Pension benefits can reach up to 70% of final basic salary

The longer your career at the EUI, the greater your pension entitlement.

Example

A staff member who entered service after 2015 accrues pension rights at 1.8% per year.

After 30 years of service:

• Pension entitlement: 54%
• Final salary: €5,000/month
• Estimated gross pension: €2,700/month (before applicable national taxation)

This example is illustrative only.

Career Mobility and Pension Rights

The scheme is designed to support career mobility while protecting your pension rights.

If you leave the EUI:

* Exception possible in accordance with EUI Staff Regulations (Annex VIII, article 12.2). Conditions are strict and include complete cover of the entire EUI contract period through voluntary payment of contributions to a national pension scheme, a private insurance or a pension fund of your choice. In case of private pension insurance, the amount of contributions needs to be at a comparable level to the EUI contributions. Contact HR_Pensions@eui.eu in advance for details.

This ensures your contributions continue to support your future, wherever your career takes you.

Pension Transfers and Portability

The EUI pension scheme is legally independent from national pension schemes and the pension schemes of European Union institutions.

Depending on the applicable rules and agreements between EUI and the previous pension scheme, pension rights may be transferred:

• From previous pension schemes into the EUI scheme
• From the EUI scheme to another eligible pension scheme upon departure

Transfers may be possible with:

• National pension systems (e.g. Germany: DRV, VBL, Italy: INPS, Luxembourg: CNAP, Netherlands: APG, UK: Cambridge university scheme, SEI Master Trust)
• European Union institutions (Paymaster Office-managed schemes)
• International organisations (e.g. UN Joint Staff Pension Fund – UNJSPF)
• Certain private pension schemes or insurance arrangements, subject to strict safeguards

Eligibility and transfer calculations depend on various factors, including age, grade, years of service, and the specific scheme involved. Contact HR_Pensions@eui.eu to find out if your scheme is covered by an agreement.

If you leave the EUI before 10 years of service, you do not qualify for a pension but are able to transfer your pension rights to another scheme or insurance.

Transfers with EU Institutions

Although pension rights can be transferred between the EUI and pension schemes managed by the European Commission's Paymaster Office (PMO), the schemes remain legally separate.

Important

• Pension rights can be transferred to or from PMO managed schemes through the system of transfers of pension rights.
• Service periods at the EUI and EU institutions cannot be automatically combined to meet the minimum 10 years of service required for an EUI retirement pension.

Private Pension Schemes

When transferring pension rights to private schemes, strict conditions ensure that your pension remains protected and dedicated to long-term income security.

In line with the EUI Staff Regulations (Annex VIII, article 12.1.b), the receiving scheme must guarantee that:

• The capital cannot be withdrawn as a lump sum
• A monthly pension is paid (between ages 60 and 66 at the latest)
• Survivor benefits are provided for your dependent family
• Any further transfer preserves these same safeguards

These rules ensure your pension continues to support you and your family over the long term.

Taxation

EUI pensions are subject to national income taxation depending on the country of residence in retirement.

Retirees remain responsible for complying with national tax requirements.

Need Help?

For information about pension rights, retirement planning or pension transfers, contact HR_Pensions@eui.eu