EU makes progress on modernisation of social protection systems

A report commissioned by the the European Union (EU) published on Friday showed that the EU member states have made progress in implementing reforms toward the modernisation of the social protection systems but there is still a lot to be done across the EU.

In 2013, the European Commission adopted the Social Investment Package, which urged member states to modernise their social protection systems with a view to emerging from the crisis stronger, more cohesive and more competitive.

The report showed that many EU member states have well-established social investment approaches to their social welfare systems.

However the crisis and fiscal constraints have, at times, complicated some member states' reform efforts, according to the European Commission's press release.

Marianne Thyssen, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labor Mobility, welcomed the report.

The Commissioner stated: "They are stepping up their support for children, removing barriers for parents to pursue their professional aspirations and recognise the importance of providing adequate support to people excluded from the labor market."

"These reforms have clear benefits in terms of increased skill development, higher labor market participation, higher competiveness and higher economic growth," she added. Endit