MISSOC Info 1 The Evolution of Social Protection in 2011 MISSOC NETWORK MEETING Copenhagen, 24-25 May 2012 MISSOC Info 1 The Evolution of Social Protection in 2011 John Ditch, academic expert

Aims and Objectives Report developments in Social Protection in 2011 Narrative structure Details in wider context

Methods MISSOC Tables and bi-annual returns Routine adjustments ignored – eg benefit levels Minor adjustments to text ignored – eg translations Changes in policy or administration noted and grouped EU Documentation and reports Europe 2020 Strategy Social OMC European Semester National Reform Programmes Social Protection Committee Other contextual information Council of Europe ILO and ISSA OECD

Context Financial Crisis: Social Protection as part of the problem or part of the solution? Structural Imperatives: demography: ageing, birth rates, mobility medical technology & pharmaceuticals Social OMC: Social inclusion, pensions, health and long term care

Context Europe 2020 Agenda Integrated Guidelines National Reform Programmes Social Protection Committee European Semester Employment and Social Developments in 2011

Pensions Dominant area of activity: Increasing the retirement age Equalising retirement age between men and women Restrictions on early retirement Increased contribution rates Linking pensions to cohort life expectancy Specific examples from variety of countries

Employment and Unemployment Policy initiatives: Key role of European Social Fund ‘In-work’ benefits Retirement age changes Reduce levels of undeclared work Sanctions Country specific examples

Other risks Disability, Invalidity and Sickness Family Benefits Health Care Guaranteed Minimum  Country specific initiatives

Conclusion Dominance of financial crisis as context Role of social protection as stabiliser Importance of pension reform and active labour market Promise of policy reform out-weighs reality in practice