The World Bank’s ASPIRE online tool is the most up-to-date compilation of global social protection and labor (SPL) estimates, including data from 120 countries—mostly in the developing world. ASPIRE provides open and accessible household-level data on populations’ social and economic status; assessments of SPL programs, including weaknesses such as low coverage and poor targeting; SPL program impacts on poverty and inequality; and ways to improve household data collection for SPL programs.

European Western Balkans (01.02.2018) The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) gathered experts to discuss challenges and priorities for the economic and social cohesion of the Western Balkans. The event “Economic and social cohesion and European integration of the Western Balkans – challenges and priorities” was held in Brussels on 30 January.

EurActiv (31.01.2018) The European Commission unveiled plans for a pan-EU Health Technology Assessment (HTA) law on Wednesday (31 January), with EU health chief Vytenis Andriukaitis promising that they would help patients take advantage of “an exciting era for innovation in health”.

EuBulletin. (02.01.2018) Over the past 20 years, digitalization has been transforming the contemporary job market, unleashing fear among workers for the future of their jobs. Many day-to-day activities have been likewise transformed by technology and digital economy – ranging from Uber replacing taxi, Airbnb replacing hotels or robots replacing blue-collar manufacturing. Some predictions suggest that digitalization and robotization will cause job losses of as much as 50% of all jobs over the next few decades.

Euractiv (15.01.2018)  L’UE reste confrontée à un taux d’investissement faible, à un chômage élevé chez les jeunes et à une fracture sociale croissante. Pour 2018, l’exécutif européen prévoit le taux de croissance le plus haut depuis la crise de 2007-2008.

What can social insurers do to maximise potential benefits of digital transformation of health and care while ensuring the sustainability of their systems?

To respond to this question, ESIP organised an expert roundtable on digital health and social insurance together with MEP Michał Boni (EPP, Poland).

Reuters (20.12.2017) Uber Technologies Inc should be classified as a transport service and regulated like other taxi operators, the European Union’s top court said in a landmark ruling on Wednesday that could impact other online businesses in Europe.

European social platform - technical paper, 8 march 2017 

euractiv.com (17.11.2017) Europe’s credibility hinges on national leaders agreeing social legislation that applies across the bloc, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Friday (17 November) at a summit with leaders from EU countries in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The Toolbox aims to support, guide and encourage those who want to modernise public administrations in support of prosperous, fair and resilient societies. It is intended as a reference and resource by pointing readers to existing EU policies and international practices, illustrated by inspirational case studies. The 2017 edition builds on user feedback and demand for more detailed information, as well as wider coverage of topics. It includes more recent policy developments and refreshed case studies.