Jetta Klijnsma, state secretary for the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs, has said freedom of choice on pension arrangements, solidarity on risks and income and which collective approach and players should shoulder which responsibilities will be the main issues in the ongoing debate over the long-term future of the Dutch pensions system.

Outlining her plans for future talks, Klijnsma said a new website, www.denationalepensioendialoog.nl, would become the focal point for the debate.

She said the site – which is to go live in mid-August – would not only provide insight into the government’s orientation via surveys and polls but also contain links to the policy documents of important players in the debate. 

To support to dialogue process, Klijnsma presented a clarification of the definitions of the crucial concepts for the discussion.

Part of the dialogue will be nationwide meetings, where the Cabinet aims to check and supplement its own views, she said.

She added that, depending on the interest and needs arising from these sessions, platforms for specific groups could be established.

Klijnsma stressed that anyone with ideas about a sustainable pensions system could participate in the national dialogue, which will be held between September and December.

The results of the broad discussion are to be laid down in a framework note, which will also include findings on the issue of the Social and Economic Council (SER).

The state secretary said the outline note would include trends in society and experiences with foreign pension systems, and would be tabled in Parliament next spring.

She added that the Cabinet would also address the consequences for the design of the system update, as well as possible transition routes and policy variants.

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