This project continues the long-standing ‘State of the Welfare State anno 1992’ initiative, evaluating the evolution of welfare systems in the EU in light of economic and fiscal governance. The 7th conference in 2025 will assess developments over the past five years, particularly following the adoption of the new EU fiscal governance framework in 2024. It will address the relationship between economic integration and social protection systems, focusing on pensions, healthcare, and long-term care.
National experts, including contributors from the 2021 edition and additional specialists, will present country-specific analyses on the impact of economic and monetary union, the European Pillar of Social Rights, and its 2021 Action Plan, which will be reviewed in 2025. These findings will feed into a European comparative overview prepared by HIVA, offering a synthesis of trends in economic governance and social protection systems across Member States.
By combining economic and social perspectives, the conference highlights the shared responsibility of EU institutions, Member States, and social partners in addressing the challenges facing welfare systems. It provides a platform for informed dialogue on upward social convergence, equipping stakeholders with the evidence needed to advocate for policies that strengthen social protection while balancing economic development.
More informationen
Link to the programme in four languages AND Registration form:
The seventh conference on ‘The State of the Welfare State in EU anno 1992 & 30 years later: 'Who pays the ferryman?' — HIVA
Link to the history of the project:
The State of the Welfare State in EU anno 1992 ... - Overview — HIVA
HIVA - Onderzoeksinstituut voor Arbeid en Samenleving
Jozef Pacolet and Nancy Vertongen
Tel.: +32 - 16 - 32 31 49 (Pacolet)
Tel.: +32 - 16 - 32 33 70 (Vertongen)
E-Mail: jozef.pacolet(at)kuleuven.be and nancy.vertongen(at)kuleuven.be
Languages: de, en, fr, nl
Project no.: 50-02-25-FP+KO