Publication: Social Safety Nets in Europe and Central Asia : Preparing for Crisis, Adapting to Demographic Change, and Promoting Employability
Date
2012-04
ISSN
Published
2012-04
Author(s)
Abstract
Social safety nets in the Europe and
Central Asia (ECA) region responded to protect people's
incomes during the global recession, especially in countries
where systems were developed before the crisis. As
population's age and labor forces shrink, the elderly
will increasingly rely on general revenues to supplement
contributory pensions, competing with assistance for other
vulnerable groups. Social safety nets that link to
employment and other services can help people transition
from reliance on social transfers to employability.
Countries should not wait to confront these challenges. To
further strengthen social safety nets, governments in ECA
should consolidate and harmonize benefits, invest in systems
improvements for greater efficiency, link social assistance
and employment services, and actively communicate these
reforms to their populations.
Citation
“Williams, Penny; Larrison, Jennica; Strokova, Victoria; Lindert, Kathy. 2012. Social Safety Nets in Europe and Central Asia : Preparing for Crisis, Adapting to Demographic Change, and Promoting Employability. Europe and Central Asia Knowledge Brief; Issue No. 48. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/8a699c0b-25a4-5171-b877-1335280cd0d8 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”