Austria is facing mounting pressure to reform its pension system as experts warn of unsustainable costs.

Currently, a quarter of the national budget is allocated to pensions, with projections indicating a 60% increase in federal contributions by 2029. Experts like WIFO's Gabriel Felbermayr and Eco-Austria's Monika Köppl-Turyna emphasize the need for immediate action, suggesting raising the retirement age to 67 and linking it to life expectancy.

Without reforms, the financial burden on future generations could become unbearable.

The situation is exacerbated by demographic shifts, with fewer workers supporting more retirees.

Comparisons to other European countries highlight Austria's particularly expensive system, urging the government to consider models like Sweden's for sustainable solutions.