Pensions

Between 2014 and 2022, the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) supported the European Commission by providing independent information and analysis on social protection and social inclusion policies, thereby contributing to improving social monitoring and fostering the development of evidence-based social policy initiatives at European level.

Since 2014, the European Social Policy Network (ESPN) has been supporting the European Commission with independent information, analysis and expertise on social policies to foster the development of evidence-based social policy initiatives at European level. In particular, the ESPN supports the Commission in monitoring progress towards the EU’s social protection and social inclusion objectives as set out in the Europe 2020 Strategy, the European Pillar of Social Rights and the European Semester.

The OSE started new research for the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI), aimed at producing two ETUI Policy Briefs. The first one examines issues surrounding recent cuts in pension provision for workers in arduous and hazardous jobs (WAHJ). Such workers have historically enjoyed better provision because of the strong possibility of them having to take early retirement, but historic arrangements are now under threat.

OSE started new research for the European Trade Union Institute aimed at developing a critical assessment of the welfare reforms adopted by the Member States in the wake of the economic and fiscal crisis. The research project embraces a larger set of policies: labour market policies, social policies (pensions), education, R&D, and public sector reforms. Some of these areas are typical examples of the so-called ‘structural reforms’ supported by international organisations and the EU.