Effective Cross-Border Pension Information in the Face of Multi-Level Legal Systems

A growing number of mobile individuals, who take advantage of their European freedoms of movement, face a lack of comprehensive pension information. This obstacle can hinder those who need pension information the most in making well-informed retirement decisions, which are crucial given the ongoing importance of a sufficient pension across Europe. This book investigates the fitness of regulatory frameworks at national (Netherlands and Germany), European, and international levels governing the taxation of cross-border statutory, occupational, and personal pensions for effective pension information provision. Where these frameworks fall short, the author explores necessary legal and non-legal interventions to ensure and enhance information effectiveness.

The author introduces an innovative multidisciplinary evaluation framework, drawing from behavioural economics, economic psychology, and cognitive psychology concepts. It applies a ‘distanced approach’, translating findings into the legal domain to enrich legal doctrine while adopting a ‘law in action’ perspective. This interdisciplinary work also employs an experimental design (randomized controlled trial) to address the common question of ‘what will I get?’

The research’s findings are particularly relevant to various stakeholders, including academia, national governments, EU law and policymakers, policy advisors, pension funds, tax lawyers, pension advisors, and consultants. Its multidisciplinary approach fosters dialogue between the realms of law and policymaking, merging previously isolated areas of academic research. This accessible, cutting-edge study offers practical applications for both academic and practical domains.