Poverty and social security in South-East Europe Wouter van Ginneken Geneva, 3 October 2003

1.1 Trends and issues Most countries at 50-80% of pre-transition output Rising informal sector (25-50% of GDP) Rising poverty and unemployment Chronic social security financing shortfalls Loss of social security coverage Inadequate governance of social security

1.2 Social security:Definition and characteristics Social security provides: Access to health care and income security (core definition) Individual benefits reducing the cost of education, food and housing (wide definition) Social security can be financed by: Contributions or tax money Social security schemes can be: Statutory or voluntary (community-based)

1.3 Poverty, social security and other social policies Needs and capabilitiesSocial securityOther social policies Risks related to employment capacity and family cohesion UnemploymentUnemployment (insurance) benefits Regulatory and other labour market policies Sickness, disability and survivors Social (insurance) pensionsCare, rehabilitation and reintegration; safety & health Old-ageSocial (insurance) pensionsHome help; old people’s homes Family cohesionMaternity, child and family benefits Child care; parental leave Basic needs and capabilities SubsistenceTax-financed benefitsSocial work; anti-poverty policies HealthHealth insuranceNational health service; health policy EducationFee waiversSchool meals and books; education policy HousingRent and energy subsidiesSocial housing FoodFood stamps and subsidiesFood aid

2.1 Strengthening social security in SE Europe: an ILO project Means of action: research & technical cooperation Governance issues: Improve statistical and monitoring capacity Promote social dialogue Regional coordination in scheme administration New approaches to the collection of contributions

2.2 Benefit restructuring Promote minimum level protection according to ILO Convention No.102 Disability pension reform Risk-related premiums for employment injury benefits Community-based care for vulnerable people

3. Conclusions Global Campaign on Social Security and Coverage for All Governance issues: better collection of contributions, social dialogue, monitoring capacity and scheme administration Benefit restructuring: disability, employment injury and community-based services.