CEE Transition from PAYG to Private Pensions: Income Gaps and Asset Allocation

Rapid population aging driven by low fertility and increasing longevity requires further adjustments of the traditional pension frameworks in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). In this article we analyze the pension systems of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia and show firstly that fiscal limitations are expected to significantly reduce PAYG pensions in CEE countries given the current and projected demographic dynamics. Secondly, we show that existing private pension plans will not be able to fill the gap to the desirable replacement rate. Without implementation of additional pension saving plans during the active period, there is a threat that many individuals will fall below the poverty line after retirement. Thirdly, we argue that the success of such pension plans will crucially depend on asset allocation decisions. Hence, governments should implement financial literacy programs in order to promote less conservative, more profitable asset allocation decisions by individuals over the longer run.