Doc. 8220

2 October 1998

Challenges of social policy in our ageing societies

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Gusenbauer and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       A major feature of Europe as a continent is that it as an ageing population which makes a considerable contribution to GNP. In a world of global competition, Europe is liable to lack the dynamism it needs for its development. Imbalance is emerging between a well-off, inactive ageing population and young people who are wondering about their future. Inter-generation solidarity is being called into question and the social contract jeopardised.

2.       Our societies have limited resources, which makes it vital that we preserve our prosperity. The Assembly must back this concern as expressed by the OECD Ministers of Employment, Labour and Social Affairs in Paris in June 1998, and endeavour to devise the appropriate measures to achieve this end.

3.       We must rethink social policy in order to take up this challenge. An active old-age strategy must be defined to encourage and enable ageing persons to remain socially and occupationally productive. Pension systems should also be overhauled to ensure their viability, etc. Social policy should also be directed at measures that are not indirectly detrimental to employment, take more account of changes in family life and promote children and their environment.

Signed¹:

Gusenbauer, Austria, SOC

Bonet Casas, Andorra, LDR

Christodoulides, Cyprus, UEL

Gjellerod, Denmark, SOC

Gylys, Lithuania, SOC

Hegyi, Hungary, SOC

Jónsson, Iceland, EDG

Muehlemann, Switzerland, LDR

Ojuland, Estonia, LDR

Ragnarsdóttir, Iceland, EDG

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic and Reformers Group

LDR: Liberal, Democratic and Reformers Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group