Welfare
Pay up or put it off: how Europe treats depression and anxiety
In many European countries, the availability of psychological treatment in the public healthcare system is inadequate or even non-existent. Barriers such as long waiting lists, co-payments and inadequate resources push people with anxiety or depression – those who can afford it – to the private system.
Family benefits in the EU
Central and Eastern European member states need to bridge a huge gap in social spending, particularly in the area of family welfare payments. However, some of these countries already spend a relatively high share of social spending for family benefits.
Social expenditure (OECD)
The OECD has just published a new report on the level of social expenditure.
Social expenditure (OECD)
The OECD has just published a new report on the level of social expenditure.
2008 crisis is still affecting social programs
Since 2007, spending on social programs within the EU has shown large contrasts, particularly between East and West. Repercussions of the 2008 crisis are clearly visible, as are policy changes in some countries.
Life expectancy after retirement: a very unbalanced Europe
Looking at life expectancy in European countries combined with retirement age, we see stark differences: Austrian women and Maltese men enjoy the longest retirement, while in Bulgaria this period is almost 10 years shorter for both women and men.
Brexit causes flight of European health workers from the NHS
A growing number of EU nationals working in the National Health Service are leaving England as a consequence of the referendum on British membership in the EU.
Pension schemes (OECD)
Every two years, the OECD publishes a very thorough report on pension schemes in OECD and G20 countries.
Stagnations and wide discrepancies
Spending on social security in EU countries has seen a very slight increase since 2010, as the latest Eurostat study shows.
