EIOPA publishes its 2025 report on cross-border IORPs

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has released its 2025 report on recent developments in cross-border business among Institutions for Occupational Retirement Provision (IORPs) within the European Economic Area (EEA).

The report shows that the number of cross-border IORPs active in Europe not only remained low in 2024, but continued to drop, with only 27 IORPs operating across borders. This confirms the pattern that the number of cross-border IORPs has stopped growing since the last decade and is now gradually declining.

These findings suggest that the original objective of the IORP Directive to stimulate a thriving internal market for workplace pensions remains unfulfilled.

Key insights from the analysis include:

• High geographical concentration: The majority of cross-border IORPs are established in only a few home countries.
• More sponsoring undertakings: Despite the low and declining number of cross-border IORPs, sponsoring activity has continued to expand. Existing multi-employer cross-border IORPs have attracted additional sponsoring undertakings, indicating a sustained interest in well-established cross-border arrangements.
• Belgium and the Netherlands are the most active in cross-border: Belgium maintains its position as the home country with the broadest geographical coverage, with IORPs offering services to 15 different host countries. Meanwhile, the Netherlands continues to host the highest number of cross-border IORPs established in other member states.

Within the EEA, cross-border IORPs collectively represent approximately 84,000 members and beneficiaries, managing assets totalling around €11.5 billion. Although there was a slight decrease in membership due to structural adjustments, participation in most home countries continued to increase.

Go to the Report