19 September 2012

Commissioner Andor underlines urgency of addressing pension challenges

The need to implement urgently measures to ensure adequate, safe and sustainable pensions for the future as outlined in the European Commission's February 2012 Pensions White Paper is the main message from European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor to the European Forum for Manufacturing's roundtable on pensions at the European Parliament.

"The challenges of an ageing population and the economic crisis are huge, but by implementing the policies sketched out in the White Paper we can ensure that pensions remain adequate, affordable and sustainable — provided action is taken in time", he confirmed. "The White Paper seeks to support Member States and maximise the added value of the EU in tackling the common challenges that our pension systems face."

Andor points at the pension reforms already carried out in a number of Member States and encourages other countries to do the same in line with the Country Specific Recommendations adopted during the European Semester 2012. He also notes that the Commission has proposed a Directive to ensure the portability of pension rights between Member States, which is an important factor for pan-EU labour mobility."People who exercise their right to free movement should not be penalised. This represents a barrier to the mobility of individuals, and prevents European economies from reaping the benefits of the Single Market. In today's labour market, characterised by a demand for more flexibility, people need to be able to easily change jobs."

This proposal is currently being actively discussed in the Council of Ministers under the Cyprus Presidency.

Press release

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