Brussels, 07/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - There was general agreement on the future of pensions systems in the Employment and Social Affairs Council on Monday 6 December. Belgian Pensions Minister Michel Daerden announced that there had been unanimity on: (1) the need to respect the subsidiarity principle, taking into account the diversity of national systems; (2) the fact that beyond this diversity, member states share common values and common objectives in this area; (3) the need for an holistic approach taking into account the principles of adequacy and sustainability of pensions; (4) the role of the open method of coordination on social protection and inclusion and the importance of appropriate indicators; (5) the willingness of member states, despite budgetary constraints related to the financial and economic crisis, to ensure a decent income for pensioners.
The Council also adopted a general approach on a draft decision designating 2012 as the European Year of active ageing, pending the adoption of the European Parliament's first reading opinion. This initiative seeks to stimulate debate and develop mutual learning between member states in order to promote active ageing policies, and it offers a framework for commitment and concrete action to enable member states and stakeholders to develop policies through specific activities. (G.B./transl.rt)