Europe is facing a major pension crisis. Aging populations and fewer young workers mean state pension systems are under huge pressure. Many countries use a "pay as you go" system, where current workers fund retirees’ pensions. With fewer workers and more retirees living longer, the system is near collapse. In France, the retirement age is 62, with average state pensions about €1,500 a month. The country spends 13.4% of its GDP on pensions, far above the EU average. President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform efforts were met with massive strikes and public protests. A planned increase of retirement age to 64 sparked the biggest protests since 1968, with over 1.28 million people rallying. The government suspended reforms until 2027 after facing a no-confidence vote. Germany, with a retirement age of 66, faces a shrinking number of workers supporting retirees. The pension system consumes 10.8% of GDP. The government plans to raise retirement age to 67 by 2029 and reduce pension values, sparking concerns among pensioners, especially women. A new "retirement bonus for mothers" was added in recent reforms. Spain’s retirement age is 66 with an average pension of €1,500. The number of pensioners is rising fast, with only 2.6 workers supporting each retiree now, expected to drop to 1.6 by 2050. Spain introduced a "solidarity tax" on high earners and a new social contribution to fund pensions. Despite these, protests continue, demanding better minimum pensions and gender equality. Denmark has steadily increased the retirement age, now set to reach 70 by 2040, the highest in the EU. This move has sparked debate. The Social Democrat prime minister calls for a fairer system. Many Danes fear working until 70. Critics say the current rules are too harsh, and the welfare system is under stress. The Netherlands offers one of Europe's best pension systems, combining state pensions, workplace schemes, and private savings. Their retirement age is 67, with pensions costing 6.4% of GDP. Recent reforms changed workplace pensions to a system where payouts depend on accumulated savings, allowing more flexibility for workers. Europe’s pension crisis is sparking political tension and protests. Governments struggle to reform without upsetting older voters who rely heavily on state pensions. The challenge remains: how to sustain pension systems that ensure a decent income for retirees while coping with aging societies and shrinking workforces.