Pensions
Pensions Forum:
discussion on the review of the Portability Directive
October 2011
The Pensions’ Forum meets on average once a year, gathering stakeholders, social partners and representatives of Member States. On 28 October 2011, the Pensions’ Forum exchanged on the possible revision of the Portability Directive. The idea which has been dormant since 2007, is to allow the cross-border transfer of pension capital within the EU. This is a very complex and much debated topic, since every Member State has its own pensions system. Making pension claims earned in one Member State transferable to another may prove very difficult. However following the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty, the Portability Directive needs adjustments and the Commission is considering possible initiatives.
Results of the public consultation on the reform of pensions
March 2011
Laszlo Andor, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, presented at the Employment and Social Affairs ministers' meeting in Brussels the results of the Green Paper consultation on adequate, sustainable and safe European pension systems.
Following the Green Paper, a White Paper is expected by the end of the year, concluding the Commission's contribution to the pension debate and reform of national systems. This White Paper might include possible legislative initiatives at EU level, but Member States still are the main actors for ensuring sustainability of public finances and adequacy of future pensions. Reform of national pension systems is one of key elements highlighted by the European Commission in its Annual Growth Survey which launched the first European Semester.
Read the summary on the Commission's website
CEC responds to the European Commission's
Green Paper on pensions
November 2010
On July 7th 2010, the European Commission has launched a European-wide public debate on how to ensure adequate, sustainable and safe pensions and how the EU can best support the national efforts. (please check the European Commission website for further information: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=89&newsId=839&furtherNews=yes)
The consultation document, a Green paper, poses a series of questions inviting all interested parties to contribute views, opinions and ideas on confronting the pension challenge - one of the biggest facing Europe and most parts of the world today - and how the EU can contribute to the solutions.