European Pensions - an appeal for reform : pension schemes that Europe can really afford / a report by the European Round Table of Industrialists

"This report has been prepared by the ERT Welfare Society Working Group... It was approved by the ERT Plenary Session in Helsinki on 25th October 1999."

The report addresses the key arguments and priorities for reform of public pension systems in Europe. Current schemes are becoming an increasing burden to taxpayers and a threat to the competitiveness of European industry. They represent a barrier to the free movement of workers since citizens cannot transfer their pension entitlements across national borders without financial penalty. This situation is growing rapidly worse due to demographic trends across the EU. The European Round Table of Industrialists advocates that urgent reform should be carried out through a co-ordinated approach among European countries. The report provides clear recommendations for action to governments and to EU policy-makers.