Plans submitted for switch to new rules
The employers and employees in our sector (also referred to as the social partners) want PME to switch to the new pension rules on 1 January 2027, with current pensions being included in the switch. We accepted that mandate and confirmed it to the social partners. Shortly afterwards, we submitted the implementation plan and communication plan to regulators De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM).
Important step
In November 2024, the social partners jointly gave the green light for the transition plan. This made it clear what PME’s pension scheme will look like under the new pension rules. After that, PME, as the pension administrator, set to work because we need to be able to demonstrate that we can actually implement the social partners’ choices and that these choices will turn out to be as fair as possible for everyone. That meant a lot of thinking, calculating and research.
All that hard work paid off. On 10 July 2025, the PME Board decided to accept the mandate of the social partners to implement the new scheme and to confirm that mandate to the social partners - a formal but important step. We submitted the implementation plan to DNB shortly afterwards. This sets out how we will carry out the social partners’ mandate. How we will communicate about this at different times is described in the communication plan, which was submitted to AFM at the same time.
Great news
“This is great news for everyone with a pension with PME,” says Eric Uijen, Chairman of the Executive Board. “We have been looking forward to the transition for a long time because the new scheme will allow us to continue to offer a good pension, not only for people who are already enjoying their pension, but also for employees who are at the start of their careers and still have years to go. It’s good to see everyone supporting the plans: the employers and employees in our sector, we as the Board of the pension fund, and the members of the Accountability Council, who oversee and advise us in our capacity as the Board on behalf of the workers and pensioners in our sector.”
What is included in the implementation plan?
Based on the transition plan, PME has drawn up an implementation plan. This plan sets out how we will implement the new scheme. It also explains how we will transfer all current pensions from the old scheme to the new one. The plan also describes what risks there are, what measures we will take to manage those risks and how we will ensure that the data in our records are correct. After all, everyone must, of course, be able to trust that everything will proceed fairly and correctly.
What is included in the communication plan?
We have already provided a lot of information about the new pension rules in recent years. We also continue to do so in the near future, through the newsletter, the magazine, webinars, meetings, personal messages and, of course, the website. The communication plan describes exactly how and when we will do this. The key moments are explained below:
- October/November 2026: first overview
Just before the switch, everyone will receive a personalised overview from us. This will contain a comparison between the pension amounts under the old and new schemes. That way, everyone can see the differences for themselves personally. These amounts will still be an estimate, but they will already give a good idea. - 1 January 2027: start of new scheme
We are targeting a switch on 1 January 2027, provided all preparations are complete for a smooth transition. At that time, the old scheme will end and the new scheme will come into effect. Everyone’s pension will be converted to the new scheme. - May/June 2027: second overview
We will send another personalised overview. This will now include the final pension calculation based on data as of 1 January 2027. If there are any differences compared to the estimate received at the end of 2026, we will explain them.
All the plans laid out
The implementation plan and the communication plan are currently being assessed by the regulators. Our website lays out all the plans. These include the transition plan of the social partners and useful summaries of that plan. An addendum was added to the transition plan on 8 July 2025, containing several additional explanations and clarifications. You can also find that addendum on our website.
Would you like to know more about the new rules?
Is so visit www.pmepensioen.nl/en/new-pension-rules.