Brussels, 05/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday in Strasbourg, during plenary, the European Parliament will examine the report by Carlo Fatuzzo (EPP-ED, Italy, elected member of the Partido dei pensionati), who supports the main lines of the European Commission's strategy on the reform of pension systems (see details of the communication entitled "supporting national strategies for safe and sustainable pensions through an integrated approach" in EUROPE of 4 July, 2001, p.6).
The rapporteur welcomes the use of the open method of coordination (common aims and common working methods to strengthen cooperation between Member States in this field), but calls for it to be extended and consolidated by a common list of indicators, national strategic reports and the identification of good practices. It is also requested that this method be accompanied by democratic elements so that the analyses and solutions are not limited to reflections made by technicians working behind closed doors.
The Commission is invited to compare the existing EU retirement schemes and to carry out research on the functioning and the effect of the so-called "funded" pension schemes and the so-called pay-as-you-go pension schemes, and mixed systems. The report by Mr Fatuzzo calls on the Commission to give preference to the collective funded retirement systems (founded on the principle of solidarity), rather than on individual retirement plans or savings schemes, and expresses a favourable opinion for the creation of reserve pension funds.
The Member States are expected to reach an agreement on a uniform tax approach to the advantage of the retired and so-called "mobile" workers, the report states. In pension systems, the countries should grant priority to gender equality (individualisation of pension, social security and tax systems, the adjustment of the systems in order to meet social requirements represented by looking after children or the elderly and dependent).
The report also calls for a retirement system to be established for women working part time or who do not have professional income.