Due to the transfer of your (accrued) pension from the Staples Pension Fund to Aegon, the pension increase will change from a conditional increase based on the Dutch price index (CPI derived) to an unconditional increase based on the European price index (Eurozone HICPxT).

The HICP (Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices) is a harmonised consumer price index used to measure price increases within the European Union. It is a standardised way of tracking price changes for goods and services. The HICPxT is often used as a basis for financial products.

The ‘xT’ in HICPxT stands for excluding tobacco. Tobacco is excluded because it is regularly subject to tax changes and policy measures, which can have a significant impact on its price. Excluding tobacco provides a better picture of price developments.

Over the past 10 years, your pensions at the Staples Pension Fund have increased by an average of approximately 70% of Dutch price increases (derived from the CPI).

As of 1 January 2026, we will therefore move to a full (100%) guaranteed (unconditional) supplement based on European price increases. These price developments differ slightly from Dutch price increases (see graph below).

European prices usually rise, but there may also be a price decrease in a given year. In that case, there will be no reduction, but the price decrease will be offset against the next increase(s). According to the agreement with the insurer, pensions will not be reduced.

The increase as of 1 January 2026 is based on the development of European prices over the period from October 2024 to October 2025.

The graph below shows price inflation in the Netherlands compared to Europe.