It is a fact that Europeans today live longer than in the past. The demographic changes cause short- and long-term challenges for social security systems and institutions working on a regular basis with old-age needs such as pensions and long-term care, to name but a few. These include ensuring that social security systems remain financially sustainable and able to provide adequate support for the growing number of elderly individuals. Our workshop will bring together experts to discuss current strategies and future solutions in order to promote the well-being of older adults in Europe.

Planning pension schemes can be difficult since it requires long-term measures while addressing potential crises that might stress the system as a whole. As people are projected to live longer in retirement, the rising life expectancy adds another level of complication to pension planning along with atypical career and the new types of work due to the rapidly evolving world of work. These affect contributions-based pensions as well as a sufficient assistance and care response to meet the needs of the elderly. Furthermore, the changing family structures and social dynamics play a role in determining the level of support available for elderly individuals.

Europe's ageing population presents a number of interrelated challenges. In addition to sustainable pension policies, long-term care needs to be taken into account as well. Older people are interested in both, given that they are essential for their daily lives. Given the limited resources and the growing needs, a balance is necessary between guaranteeing seniors’ access to high-quality long-term care services and offering them sufficient financial support. However, the possible economic effects of these policies must also be taken into consideration, since stable pension and long-term care systems are crucial to the general stability and prosperity of society.

The following key experts will showcase most effective solutions so far and reflect on forthcoming measures and initiatives required to tackle the demographic shifts occurring throughout Europe.

Panel : Futureproofing pension systems in Europe

• Paulina JARMUŻ-ZAWADZKA – Chief Specialist, International Cooperation Department, Polish Social Security Institution (ZUS)
• Verena ZWINGER – Special Advisor, Department for national and international fundamental issues, Austrian Pension Insurance (PV)
• Agnieszka CHŁOŃ-DOMIŃCZAK - Member, High Level Group on the Future of Social Protection in the EU / Vice-Rector, Research and Director, Institute of Statistics and Demography, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Poland
• Susana ROSA – Director, National Pensions Centre, Institute for Social Security, Portugal

Panel : Living decently at old-age: the decisions-makers’ equality vs equity dilemma

• Yves STEVENS – Full Professor & Academic Director, KU Leuven (Belgium)
• Francesco VERBARO – Senior Advisor, Association of the pension schemes of liberal professions in Italy (AdEPP)
• Aart-Jan RIEKHOFF – Senior Researcher, Finnish Center for Pensions (ETK)
• Maciej LIS – Economist, Social Policy Division, Directorate for Employment, Labour & Social Affairs (OECD)

An Introduction will be given by Zofia CZEPULIS-RUTKOWSKA, Senior researcher, Institute of Labour and Social Studies, Director of International Cooperation Department, Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) & Chair, ESIP Pension Standing Committee

The workshop will take place on Wednesday 27 March (9:00-11:30) at the ONEM-RVA premises (Rue de l’Escalier 38, Brussels).

Limited places available.

Check out the full program.