Brussels, 21/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - The economic crisis, the social crisis and the changing demographic situation are all factors that mean, or should mean, that member states will have to review their pensions systems. After a European Commission White Paper on the issue (see EUROPE 10555), it is now up to the European Parliament to make its contribution. Both positions are based on the same premise to reach similar, but not identical, conclusions.
On Tuesday 21 May, the Parliament adopted a non-legislative resolution drafted by Ria Oomen-Ruijten, MEP (EPP, Netherlands) on “an agenda for adequate, safe and sustainable pensions”. It was voted through by 502 votes to 138, with 49 abstentions. All political groups welcomed the report which, although not proposing a single model, stipulates that European citizens must be prepared to work several years more than they do at present. This is no longer a wish, but a reality, said Commissioner Neelie Kroes (Digital Agenda), on the eve of the vote in Strasbourg on Monday 20 May. “Today”, she said, “the majority of member states have adopted reforms which enable and encourage men and women to work longer”.
MEPs thus found “an area of compromise”, saying “we have to avoid copy and paste”, as pension systems are highly diversified to meet different national requirements, said Thomas Mann (EPP, Germany). Speaking on behalf of the S&D Group, Belgian MEP Frédéric Daerden underlined the insistence with which the resolution promotes the first pillar as the main source of revenue for pensioners. The resolution also criticises the approach chosen to revise the directive that affects surveillance exercised on occupational retirement institutions. The same demands in capital cannot apply to the insurance companies and also to pension funds. On these two points, therefore, the Parliament differs from the Commission White Paper. (JK/transl.jl)