European Pensions Global Finance

This book explains the demographic and funding crises that threaten continental European systems of pension and retirement income. Based upon examination of pension provision in France, Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the book argues that state-sponsored social security will not deliver promised retirement incomes for the baby-boom generation. The author considers the future of pensions and in particular the prospects for a Pan-European approach to retirement income provision.

The retirement of the baby boom generation is a profound threat to the structure and organisation of continental European retirement systems. Whereas the German financial system, for example, has been often favourably compared to the Anglo-American system of corporate governance, it is argued in some quarters that it will have to become far more quot;Americanquot; if current living standards are to be maintained. The paper begins by suggesting that these issues should be taken seriously by economic geographers; we have a distinctive perspective that should not be lost in the more general debate. Subsequently, the paper focuses on three threads or themes. Why the demographic crisis is a crisis not just a transition; why global finance is deeply implicated in any European solution to the demographic crisis, and; whether continental European countries will be able to maintain their inherited retirement income systems in the face of competition from the Anglo-American model. Unfunded social security benefits threaten the economic welfare of all citizens; those that will be retired and those that will continue working over the next 20 to 30 years. Proffered solutions tend to rely upon the market rather than the state, and tend to match or mimic Anglo-American financial practices. This does not mean that continental Europe need converge upon the Anglo-American system of finance and retirement income provision. But it does seem highly likely that continental European countries will seek solutions that draw upon aspects of this system. Rather than thinking of convergence to the Anglo-American model as the most likely outcome, and rather than thinking of continuity of difference between systems as a viable scenario, European countries will in some way or another be forced to seek accommodation with global finance. Whether continental Europe will be able to hold global finance at bay remains to be seen. Global finance may penetrate national economic and social systems far deeper than ever intended.

The demographic & funding crisis that threatens European systems of pension & retirement income is the subject of this study. The book argues that state-sponsored social security will not deliver the promised retirement incomes for the baby-boom generation.

This edited volume takes a closer look at various European pension-plan models and the recent challenges, trends and predictions related to the design of such schemes. The contributors analyse new ideas, both from national governments and European institutions, and consider current debates on topics such as the Capital Markets Union (CMU) and the so-called ‘European Pillar of Social Rights’ – calling for a new approach to social policy at the European level in response to common challenges, such as ageing and the digital revolution.This interdisciplinary work embraces economic, financial and legal perspectives, while focusing on previously selected coherence aspects in order to ensure that the analyses are comprehensive and globally consistent.

Future pension provision is highly controversial; it juxtaposes the challenges of old age security with the exigencies of global finance. Clearly, demography, finance and public accountability are crucial to current political debate. But there are other important issues. The problems of paying for the retirement of the baby boom generation has exposed profound differences in the advanced economies in terms of their financial institutions and infrastructure. Pension security has been re-conceptualised, in part, as an issue of global finance and international comparative advantage bringing with it a re-definition of risk and pension security. This book examines how major continental European and Anglo-American countries are dealing with these pressures, to what extent these responses are beginning to redraw the boundaries between public and private responsibility for pension security, and what the implications of public-private partnerships are for the financial organisation and infrastructure of European and global financial markets, and the nation-based welfare state. The contributors, all involved in policy development in their respective countries, assess the comparative strengths and weaknesses of recent pension initiatives in the light of continuing fiscal constraints and current market instabilities. Using a tight comparative framework, the book questions assumed divisions between states and markets, as new divisions between public and private spheres of pension responsibility require new regulatory machinery to guarantee future security. This book provides a vital reference point in understanding pension security in the 21st century for academics and postgraduates in the social sciences, economics and finance, geography, politics and social policy, policy makers in OECD countries and industry professionals.

The demographic & funding crisis that threatens European systems of pension & retirement income is the subject of this study. The book argues that state-sponsored social security will not deliver the promised retirement incomes for the baby-boom generation.

The sustainability of public pension systems has become an important aspect for governments and institutions worldwide. This book addresses the multiple elements that influence the sustainability of pension systems with a special focus on central and eastern European countries. Supported by the results of econometric empirical studies, the authors discuss and analyse areas like social economy versus capitalist economy, globalization versus glocalization, population aging versus birth and fertility, emigration versus immigration, early retirement versus prolongation versus professional activity, the sustainability of public pension systems versus the adequacy of benefits provided, public pension systems compared to private pension funds and taxation of salary incomes versus subsidization of state social insurance.

The ageing, financial and labour market challenges facing the old age pension systems of the member states of the European Union are well known. Those who cast doubt on the ability of the present system of pension provision - at least to the extent that it is pay-as-you-go financed - to cope with the problems posed by these challenges are getting more vociferous. Increasingly there are calls for pay-as-you-go systems to be cut back and for funded systems to be expanded. This book contests the view that funding is the answer. It shows how adaptable the largely pay-as-you-go old age pension systems in the European Union are. Actuaries, economists, lawyers, political scientists, pension advisers, and sociologists, from nine European countries and the United States, consider four main themes: population ageing, competitiveness and retirement; pension financing and economic growth; adapting pension systems to meet change; and decision-making processes. They argue that pay-as-you-go-financed old age pension systems in the European Union have the ability to successfully adapt to economic and social change provided they do not take on too many non-insurance-related risks. Solving the problems of the labour market and controlling the direction and extent of economic development are beyond the powers of old age pension systems, regardless of how they are structured or financed. Separate budgets for separate risks is an indispensable principle if the complex processes of social protection are to be successfully managed, monitored, and made transparent. There can be no single plan for the future development of old age pension systems which would be universally valid for all the countries of the European Union. A single solution cannot take into account the special circumstances obtaining in every nation, and since respect for the special features of national systems is the basis of popular acceptance, the way forward is to reform existing systems in existing contexts.

This book examines the origins and consequences of so-called pension fund capitalism, which has spread around the world since 1981, when the pension system was completely privatized in Chile. The author highlights the driving forces behind the privatization of pensions, its forms and tools used in practice, and the risks and costs related to private pensions. The reader can also learn about the experiences of various developed countries (including the USA, Canada, Australia, and Germany), as well as Latin American (including Chile) and Eastern European countries, related to the privatization of pensions. Particular attention is paid to Poland as an example of a country where such privatization failed completely. This book provides a source of serious reflection on what this privatization has led to, what its real economic and social consequences are and what the likelihood is of reversing it and strengthening the public pension system. Academic researchers and students of economics and finance, as well as social and political sciences, will find the book invaluable in understanding the problems arising from the privatization of pensions. It will also be of interest to professionals: institutions that shape or influence economic and social policy, including political parties, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, the media, and institutions operating on the financial market.

'This book provides an excellent critical account of the relationship between global financial developments, the emergent European financial system, and the implications of the operation of these for the European social model and its future. The chapters carefully analyze the characteristics of current financial relationships and show how these impinge on a whole range of policy areas from employment and social protection thought to economic stability and retail financial markets. The book builds up a systematic picture of the pressures being experienced throughout European society as financial engineering has gathered pace, and provides telling suggestions as to how to combat the most threatening aspects of these developments for European policy makers. This book is a "must read" for anyone concerned about the possible consequences of recent tumultuous events that have shaken the global financial system.' – Grahame Thompson, The Open University, UK and Copenhagen Business School, Denmark With global finance reshaping the world economy, this insightful new book provides a full account of the EU's financial integration strategy, together with a critical assessment arguing the case for social control over global finance. Written by acknowledged experts in European finance, this book discusses key issues from finance to general social developments, encompassing social security systems, employment relations, household saving and borrowing, and the question of economic stability. Thus far, America has been pre-eminent both in global financial markets and international banking – so how should the European Union meet this challenge? Global Finance and Social Europe constructively argues that an active response is required and highlights the importance of an integrated European financial system. Aimed at an international audience, this book will strongly appeal to researchers, academics and readers who share an interest in European integration and global economic issues.