Project Summary

OBJECTIVES, DESCRIPTION AND EXPECTED RESULTS

Objectives

European welfare systems differ markedly, but all face common pressures: economic globalisation, ageing populations, rising costs, changes in the jobs available, in family life and in people's expectations from government. Existing research tells us a great deal about what reforms are needed, in terms of cost containment, the more vigorous promotion of an active labour market and adapting provision to the needs of an ageing population and changing family patterns. We know much less about how to achieve these changes in the context of different national policy-making systems. This project will provide a detailed examination of the range of factors that influence policy direction in a range of European countries. It will provide new understanding of the reforms underway in European welfare states and of the best way to promote reforms that will advance the European project in welfare.Back to Top

Description

The six national teams participating in the research will analyse policy development during the past fifteen years in relation to pension reform, long-term care, provision for unemployed people, policies for low-paid people, the impact of the EU on national policy and the way in which welfare is financed. The analysis will pay particular attention to the role of the key policy actors (political parties, governments, business and trade unions, the voluntary sector and other agencies as appropriate in different national settings). The researchers will conduct interviews with selected representatives of these groups to investigate recent developments and the probable trajectory of policy during the next ten years. The co-ordinating team will carry out corresponding interviews at the EC level and with Europe-wide organisations. The material will be analysed to assess perceptions of and responses to challenges to the welfare state resulting from societal change in EU member countries and to identify the extent to which the different European welfare systems are successful in formulating policies to meet these challenges. The research will thus support policy-making at a practical level. The work will also make a strong contribution to the scientific understanding of the factors that influence different responses to current pressures in different welfare states and provide new knowledge of the areas in which it is feasible for the EU to give a lead in the modernisation and reform of welfare systems. Back to Top

Expected Results

The research will improve our knowledge in three areas:

• The factors affecting the way policy develops (or fails to develop) in different European welfare states and at a European level;

• Trends in convergence or divergence in different aspects of European welfare policy;
• The opportunities open for the EU to give a lead in welfare state modernisation.

It will thus contribute to understanding and enhancing the capacity of one of the major European achievements - the democratic welfare state - to introduce effective reform programmes as it comes under increasing pressure. Back to Top