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2021 EU Long-term care report : A highly useful analysis to inform care policymaking - AGE Platform Europe ndewulf The EU long-term care report publised by the European Commission last June provides a good overview of the trends, challenges and opportunities of an ageing Europe. Yet, we have identified room for improvement, namely in terms of narrative and policy ambitions. We also point out some recommendations for action as a next step to this report. Long-term care
Publication: Framework to implement a life course approach in practice rruggia who.int (03.07.2025) The WHO Framework to implement a life course approach in practice summarizes current evidence to reorient health systems to produce health and well-being, draws on global examples of implementation, and proposes next steps. A life course approach acknowledges that health and well-being depend on the interaction of multiple protective and risk factors, particularly during sensitive and critical periods throughout people’s lives and across generations. It strengthens equity by recognizing how critical periods, transitions and cumulative exposures shape health trajectories. This framework targets a wide audience including governments, civil society, and other non-state actors committed to applying a life course approach and informs discussions on redesigning primary health care programmes to improve life course health trajectories. Long-term care, Health promotion
The EU compromise machine and the politicisation of social policy: Lessons from the regulation of platform work pmassetti Journal of European Social Policy (24.06.2025) Over the past few years, the legal status and the working conditions of platform workers have been among the most debated manifestations of the digital transformation of work. Tense negotiations on the EU platform work directive (from 2021 to 2024) epitomize long-standing conflicts in EU social policymaking, namely the opposition between capital and labour, on the one hand, and resistance to EU involvement or impact on Member States’ social arrangements, on the other. This paper provides an in-depth inquiry of the policy process by focussing specifically on the presumption of employment in platform work, which was first proposed as an EU-wide provision and eventually nationalized with its definition left to national arrangements. Drawing on this case and mobilizing the literature on positive integration entrepreneurship, and politicization, we shed light on the ‘drivers’ and ‘inhibitors’ of EU social regulation. On the one hand, we provide evidence that joint entrepreneurship of the European Parliament (EP) and the European Commission is a primary driver and argue for acknowledging the role of the EP as a key entrepreneur of ‘Social Europe’. On the other hand, divisions in the Council, underpinned by domestic politics, hinder ambitious social policy regulation at EU level in several respects. Furthermore, we tease out the role of politicization and theorize its ambivalent role as both a driver and inhibitor, depending on contingent party political orientations, contextual factors, but also the role played by Council presidencies, so far overlooked in the literature. We conclude that the drivers and inhibitors we identify, and the resulting dynamics of compromise, are relevant beyond the case of platform work. While stressing the crucial, yet ambivalent, role of politicization, our findings cast a shadow on what has recently been described as a great come back of ‘Social Europe’ with the European Pillar of Social Rights.
AI and the future of social protection in OECD countries pmassetti oecd.org (30.06.2025) Governments in OECD countries are increasingly applying advanced uses of data and technology to improve the coverage, effectiveness and efficiency of social programmes, yet they are proceeding with caution when introducing artificial intelligence (AI). Common AI uses in social protection include client support, automating back-office processes and fraud detection. Looking ahead, there is significant potential for AI to help improve the performance of social programmes – including through predictive analytics, enhanced outreach and better-tailored interventions – but governments must continue to build trust and foster transparency when using AI. Artificial intelligence
Social protection, climate change and employment in Africa: G20 technical paper pmassetti International Labour Organization (2025) This paper discusses the current state of social protection systems in Africa, their challenges, and the relationship between social protection, climate change and employment. It also provides a brief overview of the jobs implications of climate change and efforts to address it. The key message of the note is to underscore the essential role that social protection and skills can play in addressing the challenges related to climate change while providing an overview of the current state of social protection systems, including floors, in Africa. Shocks & extreme events Africa
How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage pmassetti
Guidance Note on Public Employment Services Digitalization pmassetti worldbank.org (24.06.2025) This Guidance Note was developed to support Public Employment Services in navigating complex decisions involved in digitalizing employment services. As the role of PES evolves with the need to balance expanded mandates with limited resources, digitalization presents an opportunity to strengthen service delivery, enhance operational efficiency, and improve access for job seekers and employers. However, successful implementation depends on more than just introducing new technology. It requires strategic alignment, institutional readiness, and careful planning at every stage of the process. This Note offers a practical framework to guide that journey, combining structured decision-making tools, country examples, and insights drawn from a broad range of experiences. While every PES operates in a unique context, a number of cross-cutting lessons and recommendations emerge from the modules: importance of clearly defined objectives, assessing internal readiness and external conditions, defining a clear and focused digitalization scope, selecting the right development strategy, matching solution types and hosting models to context, and planning for financial sustainability. Digital transformation is not a singular event but a long-term process. As PES increasingly rely on digital tools to deliver services and inform policy, systems must be flexible and adaptable to effectively connect job seekers to opportunities. This Note aims to provide a foundation for that transformation, grounded in practical experience and adapted to the diverse realities in which PES operate. By applying these insights, PES can take informed steps towards building digital solutions that are not only functional but truly transformative. Employment
Greece becomes first in Europe to offer home delivery of high-cost medicines pmassetti The Greek Herald (16.06.2025) Starting June 16, Greece has become the first country in Europe to provide free home delivery of high-cost medications through its national health insurance agency, EOPYY. The program is expected to support around 139,000 patients, including those undergoing cancer treatment and individuals with chronic illnesses who depend on EOPYY pharmacies for their medications. EOPYY President Theano Karpodini hailed the initiative as a landmark in public healthcare. “Being the first in Europe to offer free home delivery of high-cost medicines makes us proud — and also increases our responsibilities,” she said. Patients can now receive their medications—including those requiring refrigeration—delivered to their home, workplace, or holiday residence within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the delivery location. The service is entirely free, with certified logistics providers ensuring strict adherence to safety, confidentiality, and temperature control standards. Health greece
Demographic change in Europe and Central Asia pmassetti ilo.org (24.06.2025) The demographic changes currently underway in the Europe and Central Asia region - most notably, the ageing of its populations - have prompted the preparation of this new publication intended to inform tripartite discussions on developing effective strategies and policy responses. The publication provides projections of the region’s labour force evolution through to 2050, alongside an analysis of the challenges posed by these demographic shifts. In particular, it explores the potential of mobilising groups that are often underrepresented in the labour market, such as older workers, women, youth, persons with disabilities, migrants, and refugees, as part of a broader effort to address the challenges of a shrinking workforce. Demographic change
Malaysia : Socso aims to start mandatory contribution for gig workers at 1.25% per ride or delivery from 2026 pmassetti theedgemalaysia.com (17.06.2025) The Social Security Organisation (Socso), also known as Perkeso, aims to introduce mandatory contributions for gig economy workers starting January 2026. This initiative is part of broader efforts to extend social protection to Malaysia's expanding informal workforce which, according to official data, constitutes over 25% of the country’s workforce. digital platforms Platform workers malaysia
Pensioner poverty in Europe: Which countries have the highest rates? pmassetti In most European countries, the average income of people over 65 is lower than that of the total population, according to the OECD. In several cases, elderly incomes fall below 80% of the national average, contributing to significantly high poverty rates among pensioners. So, how do these levels of financial precarity vary across Europe? In which countries do pensioners face the highest levels of poverty? And how does elderly income compare to the national average?
Activating the aging agenda: A fresh look at an overlooked mega trend pmassetti worldbank.org (17.06.2025) Almost every country in the world today is facing a predictable, but addressable, trend that will profoundly impact societies and economies: Aging. Despite numerous calls  to action, the aging agenda remains under the radar, especially when compared to other “mega trends” like climate change and digital transformation.  Old-age pensions
Needs assessment and eligibility criteria in long-term care pmassetti OECD (16.06.2025) As populations age, the demand for long-term care (LTC), encompassing a range of personal care and assistance services, is steadily increasing across OECD countries. Care needs assessments and eligibility criteria determine who is entitled to access publicly funded LTC services, and thereby have a direct impact on public expenditures. This paper compares needs assessment approaches across OECD countries including the criteria, tools and responsible actors, as well as the broader eligibility rules such as age and place of residence and explores the means-testing rules that determine the degree of cost-sharing applicable to LTC users. To demonstrate the impact of needs assessments and eligibility criteria on the public coverage of people in need of LTC support, the paper examines reforms (of eligibility criteria and their consequences on accessibility in five countries (Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain). Long-term care
Social Protection and Multidimensional Poverty: How can multidimensional measures become a social protection system tool? pmassetti mppn (25.03.2025) Countries around the globe have started establishing social protection systems, aiming to implement policies and programmes to reduce poverty. At the same time, the number of countries designing and computing multidimensional poverty measures has increased in recent years, with more than 40 countries in the five world regions having official multidimensional poverty measures and others working on designing their own national Multidimensional Poverty Indices (MPI). Inequalities
Health Insurance in UAE: What you need to know about it pmassetti gulfbusiness.com (13.06.2025) The UAE has officially implemented its Basic Health Insurance Plan for private sector employees and domestic workers across the Northern Emirates, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s approach to healthcare access and affordability. Effective since January 1, 2025, the initiative is part of a broader nationwide strategy to ensure that all residents, regardless of income or employment type, have access to essential healthcare services. With an annual premium of just Dhs320, the plan is already reshaping how health services are accessed and delivered, especially for low-income workers previously excluded from mandatory coverage. Health arabic countries
Trump's latest labor pick is good news for the gig economy rruggia qz.com (15.01.2026) President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Keith Sonderling as his deputy labor secretary, handing employers in the so-called gig economy an ally. Sonderling previously served as Trump’s acting administrator of the Department of Labor’s (DOL) wage and hour division, as well as a Republican commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The deputy labor secretary job requires Senate confirmation and occasionally ends up leading the agency. digital platforms Platform workers United States
Driving toward security: How Singapore’s Platform Workers Act empowers platform workers to plan their financial future pmassetti ntuc.org.sg (06.06.2025) A young Grab driver preparing for marriage experiences how Singapore’s groundbreaking Platform Workers Act is transforming financial security for thousands of platform workers through CPF contributions, work injury protection, and formal representation. digital platforms Platform workers singapore
Fair work is possible – Work and digitalisation pmassetti IPS Journal - Insecure or precarious work is not inevitable. It was created intentionally, by dismantling or circumventing employment law regulations
Jobs in MENA: How transforming pension systems can boost inclusion, equity, and prosperity pmassetti worldbank.org (29.05.2025) Pension systems globally have faced challenges in fulfilling their commitment to providing adequate financial security for individuals in their old age. In developing countries, pension coverage is often low, and benefits frequently fall below the poverty line. The design of the pensions systems, among other factors, tend to exacerbate informality, with only a fraction of formal workers receiving pensions. The low coverage and the little redistribution leads low wage workers to end up subsidizing high wage workers. The way contributions finance pensions contribute to the informality dilemma by creating a disparity between employer payments and worker benefits, perpetuating a cycle of low pensions, high informality, and discouragement of formal employment. For instance, in some MENA countries, if the worker does not accumulate enough years, he/she will forfeit the contributions from the employer. Governments, facing fiscal and debt sustainability pressures, struggle to enhance coverage and benefits. Bridging this gap between pension promises and realities is an urgent challenge requiring immediate attention. Pensions arabic countries
Three challenges of social protection in sub‐Saharan Africa: informality, climate change and pandemics pmassetti International Journal of Social Welfare (05.01.2025) This article provides an overview of social protection challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. It explores three main challenges: the integration of informal workers, the management of climate change and pandemics. Despite the proliferation of social protection programmes in sub-Saharan Africa, effective coverage remains low. About 76.3% of the population is not covered by any formal social protection mechanisms. Following the principle of qualitative comparative analysis, this article offers a twofold contribution. Firstly, it provides an overview of the diversity of social protection mechanisms in sub-Saharan Africa. This article proposes to describe the three categories of social protection using the concept of social protection mix: formal, semi-formal and informal. Secondly, using this concept, this study explores three major challenges of the social protection mix in sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, this article suggests ways to strengthen social protection systems that address new challenges and incorporate the diversity of social protection mechanisms. Extension of coverage, Shocks & extreme events Africa
Work injury compensation for Platform Workers: Complete guide to Singapore’s new protection system pmassetti ntuc.org.sg (30.05.2025) Platform workers in Singapore now receive mandatory work injury compensation coverage under the Platform Workers Act 2024 – here’s all you need to know about the new protections. digital platforms Platform workers
Facilitating transition between social assistance and social insurance pmassetti ILO (25.02.2025) - Conceptual framework and review of global good practices for countries in the Arab Region - Ensuring bridges between different social protection programmes and financing mechanisms - including smooth transition paths (forward and backward) between social assistance and social insurance schemes - has increasingly become an important issue in many developing countries. This has the potential to create better impetus for accessing formal employment, expand social protection coverage, stabilize income, reduce vulnerabilities. This report aims to provide a review of international experiences on ensuring better transitions between social assistance and employment-related social insurance. The report proposes a conceptual framework and policy recommendations based on a review of international experiences in ensuring better transition between tax-financed social assistance and employment-related social insurance. Extension of coverage arabic countries
Au Danemark, l’âge de la retraite passera à 70 ans en 2040 pmassetti lemonde.fr (22.05.2025) Le Parlement danois a adopté, jeudi, une loi relevant l’âge légal de départ à la retraite, aujourd’hui à 67 ans. Depuis la réforme de 2006, celui-ci est indexé sur l’espérance de vie et révisé tous les cinq ans. Pensions
Ghana : SSNIT bets on mobile money to drive accessibility pmassetti The Social Security and National Insurance Trust is betting on the widely used mobile money to improve pension accessibility and convenience, as it deepens its digital transformation strategy to reach a broader base of contributors. With mobile money transaction volumes and values surging to record highs in 2024, SSNIT is integrating mobile money platforms into its service delivery model. The aim is to make pension-related services more accessible to informal sector workers and the broader population who already use mobile wallets daily for payments and remittances. “Almost everyone in Ghana today uses mobile money,” said Kwesi Afreh Biney, Director-General of SSNIT, during the Trust’s 52nd branch launch on the Spintex road in Accra. epayment E-services, Service delivery ghana
US: Morningstar study on long-term care costs gets pushback from think tank pmassetti investmentnews.com (21.05.2025) A new Morningstar report warns that long-term care expenses could dramatically undermine the financial readiness of American retirees.But the study expert, who argues the analysis exaggerates households' actual exposure to those costs. "The Overlooked Cost: How Long-Term Services and Supports Impacts Retirement-Income Adequacy" Morningstar researchers Spencer Look and Jack VanDerhei used a proprietary model to simulate the retirement outcomes of American households under two conditions: one that includes long-term services and supports, or LTSS, and another that assumes those costs are fully covered by outside sources. The findings from the Morningstar Center for Retirement & Policy Studies published last week suggest that the inclusion of LTSS costs increases the share of households projected to deplete their retirement resources from 26 percent to 41 percent. Long-term care United States