Welfare State in Europe

Edited by Marco Buti, Director of the Economies of the Member States, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium, Daniele Franco, Director, Public Finance Division, Research Department, Bank of Italy and Lucio R. Pench, Advisor, Forward Studies Unit, European Commission, Belgium

• Contents: Part I: Overview 1. Reconciling the Welfare State with Sound Public Finances and High Employment Part II: The Economic Effects of the Welfare State: Two Views 2. The Economics of the Welfare State: An Incomplete Debate 3. Welfare State Dynamics Part III: Improving Incentives in the Welfare State 4. Social Insurance Based on Personal Savings Accounts: A Possible Reform Strategy for Overburdened Welfare States? 5. Expanding the Welfare System: A Proposal for Reform Part IV: Pension Reforms 6. On Economic Benefits and Fiscal Requirements of Moving from Unfunded to Funded Pensions 7. Retirement Income Financing Reform – A General Issues Paper Part V: A Case Study 8. Reform of the Social Security System in France: Challenges and Prospects Part VI: Demography and the Welfare State 9. Ageing and Fiscal Policies in the European Union Index

'This book is essential reading for those working in the areas of public administration and finance, European studies, social policy, economics and political science. In its provision of policy suggestions it will also be welcomed by policymakers and government advisors.'