Sustaining European social security systems in a globalised economy

In addition to long-term demographic trends, European social security systems face new challenges as a result of increased global competition and an international banking system focused on short-term financial gain. This report therefore explores new ways for European policy makers and institutions to make social security systems more sustainable. It investigates ways to achieve short and long-term financial viability. It also identifies key mechanisms that work to achieve social cohesion, such as greater emphasis on social rights and social dialogue. It then examines the main policy issues in sustaining major individual social security programmes, such as health care, social assistance and family benefits, pensions, unemployment and work incapacity benefits, as well as long-term care.