Dutch Pension Federation to Exit PensionsEurope Amid Management Dispute

Dutch Federation Announces Withdrawal from PensionsEurope

The Dutch Federation of Pension Funds (Pensioenfederatie) has announced its resignation from PensionsEurope, the Brussels-based European industry umbrella association, effective January 1, 2026. This significant move follows an unsuccessful attempt by the Dutch body to initiate a management shake-up within PensionsEurope, raising questions about the future stability and direction of the European pension association.

Disagreement Over Leadership and Strategy

The decision to withdraw was made after an extraordinary general meeting this week, where a proposal put forward by the Pensioenfederatie and the Belgian pension fund association, PensioPlus, was rejected. The proposal aimed to replace Matti Leppälä, the current secretary general of PensionsEurope, with Ann Verlinden, chief executive officer of PensioPlus. A majority of PensionsEurope's members voted against this change.

A spokesperson for the Dutch Federation cited a 'difference of opinion' between the Pensioenfederatie and several PensionsEurope members regarding the management of the European association's supporting office, its strategic future, and financing. The spokesperson indicated that the Dutch Federation had 'long sought a constructive dialogue and proposed various solutions,' but these efforts did not lead to an agreed resolution.

Implications for PensionsEurope and European Advocacy

The departure of a major national pension body like the Pensioenfederatie is expected to cast uncertainty over PensionsEurope's future. In a related development, Jacques van Dijken, the current chair of PensionsEurope, is set to step down before the end of the year. Earlier this year, Van Dijken had expressed intentions to reform PensionsEurope's two-tier membership structure to ensure equal influence for all member countries.

Despite its withdrawal from PensionsEurope, the Dutch Federation of Pension Funds affirmed its commitment to representing the interests of the Dutch pension sector in Brussels. It plans to continue its proactive participation in European policy discussions through its membership of AEIP, an umbrella organization for paritarian institutions.