2 or 130 thousand: Ukrainian pensions compared to European ones - the difference is colossal.

It was demonstrated to Ukrainians how the size of pensions differs in various countries.

According to data obtained from 'Hvylya', as of February 2025, the average pension in Ukraine is only 5852 hryvnias (approximately 135 euros), which is 5-10 times less than in developed countries of Western Europe. The minimum pension in Ukraine is 2361 hryvnia (54 euros), which only covers 59% of the subsistence minimum for non-working persons, set at 3407 hryvnias.

The minimum pension payment in Ukraine (2361 UAH) does not meet the subsistence minimum, compared to Luxembourg or Switzerland, where retirees receive over 2000 euros per month. Despite indexation of 13-17%, Ukrainian pensions remain the most painful in Europe due to systemic problems and the consequences of war.

The maximum pension in Ukraine is 23,610 hryvnias (543 euros), but only 12% of retirees receive payments above 10,000 hryvnias. Half of Ukrainian retirees have an income of 3000-4000 hryvnias per month.

According to plans, in March 2025 pensions are scheduled to be indexed by 13-17%, which should raise the average pension to 6600 hryvnias. However, last year's inflation of 12% has already wiped out the previous increase in 2024.

Europe

In Western Europe, retirees receive much more: in Luxembourg – 3000 euros, in Switzerland – 2400 euros, in Germany – 1400 euros, in France – 1300 euros, in Spain – 1100 euros each month. Even in Eastern European countries, pensions are significantly higher: in Poland – 600 euros, in Hungary – 400 euros, in Romania – 350 euros.

USA

In the USA, the average pension under the Social Security program is 1976 dollars (approximately 1830 euros), while the maximum reaches 5108 dollars (4730 euros) for those who worked until 70 years old.

Experts explain such a gap by several factors. In Ukraine, there is a distribution system where 10.3 million retirees are supported by 18 million workers, with 30% of workers employed in the shadow economy. An additional burden is military spending – in the 2025 budget, 420 billion hryvnias is allocated for social protection.

In Europe, there is a trend towards raising the retirement age – to 64 years in France and 67 years in Germany. The average European pension indexation in 2025 will be 2.5-3.8%. In the USA, the maximum taxable base has been increased to 176,100 dollars, but experts warn of the possible depletion of social security by 2035.

Analyses indicate that direct comparisons of pensions can be tricky due to differences in purchasing power and social protection systems. For example, in Ukraine, retirees have to cover 70% of their medical expenses, while in the EU most medical costs are covered by insurance.

Let us remind you how Ukrainian pensions will change after indexation.