Introduction to the Special Issue on Complementary Pensions
| DOI | 10.1177/1388262717713888 |
| Published date | 01 June 2017 |
| Author | Alexia Autenne |
| Date | 01 June 2017 |
| Subject Matter | Editorial |
EJSS
Editorial
European Journal of Social Security
2017, Vol. 19(2) 93–97
Introduction to the Special
ª The Author(s) 2017
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DOI: 10.1177/1388262717713888
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Alexia Autenne
University of Louvain and the National Fund for Scientific Research, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Abstract
This Special Issue is devoted to the impact of European Law on complementary pensions. It
examines the main features of European policy shifts related to the ageing process in the field of
occupational pensions. Normative trends exemplifying mutations in European pension policies and
their consequences are studied in some detail with reference to the situation of specific Member
States.
Keywords
Ageing, Occupational Pensions, Pension Funds, European Law
Nowadays, the financial and social sustainability of pension systems is a crucial challenge for most
European countries. Indeed, the so-called ‘ageing’ process, caused simultaneously by the increase
in longevity, the decrease in fertility and the effects of the baby boom, has an important impact on
the long-term viability of retirement schemes. This is made even more acute by the high level of
unemployment, the persistent low interest rates and the weak growth of GDP.
This Special Issue was produced in the wake of these challenges. It examines the main features
of European policy shifts related to the ageing process in the field of occupational pensions1. In the
six articles that appear in this Issue, normative trends exemplifying mutations in European pension
policies and the situation in specific Member States are looked at in detail; internal and external
tensions are explored.
The main conclusions of this Special Issue can be summarised in five points.
1. By occupational pensions schemes, we target the private supplementary plans linked to the employment relationship.
Corresponding author:
Alexia Autenne, University of Louvain (Uclouvain) and National Fund for Scientific Research, CRIDES, Law Faculty, Colle`ge
Thomas More, Place Montesquieu 2/L2.07.01 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
E-mail: alexia.autenne@uclouvain.be
94
European Journal of Social Security 19(2)
1.
The first conclusion comprises a transversal diagnostic referring to the so-called ‘silent
pension pillar implosion’. In his article, Yves Stevens points out that, when it comes to
pensions, two phases of policy waves can be observed: individualisation 1.0 and indivi-
dualisation 2.0. Individualisation 1.0, which took about 25 years to reach its peak, brought
about a worldwide shift in risk, and resulted in an increase in defined-contribution plans at
the expense of defined-benefits plans. The more recent phase, individualisation 2.0, can be
characterised in terms of an orientation towards individual or personal pension plans. In the
first dynamic, collective schemes – and hence employers – maintained their importance
but, in the second dynamic, the third pillar is at the forefront. Occupational pensions are put
under...
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