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<title>Itinera Institute - Issues - Ageing &amp; Pensions</title>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org</link>
<description>Itinera Institute - Issues - Ageing &amp; Pensions</description>
<image>
<url>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/web/sources/img/logo_itinera.jpg</url>
<title>Itinera Institute - Issues - Ageing &amp; Pensions</title>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org</link>
</image>
<copyright>Copyright 2012, Itinera Institute</copyright>
<language>en</language>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<title>Belgium divided between strike and anti-strike </title>
<description><![CDATA[ Jean Hindriks and Laurent Hanseeuw shed lights on the popular opposition against the general strike taking place this Monday 30 January. They explain the apparent paradox stating that powerful labor unions can be useful safeguard against inopportune strikes. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/belgium-divided-between-strike-and-anti-strike/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/belgium-divided-between-strike-and-anti-strike/</guid>
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<title>Why our public debt needs to be reduced</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos and Ivan Van de Cloot explain why the Belgian public debt is problematic. We will over many years, unfortunately, have to pay the debt bill of the past in order to build the future.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/why-our-public-debt-needs-to-be-reduced/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/why-our-public-debt-needs-to-be-reduced/</guid>
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<title>The future will be bright, if we want it to be</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos opens the new year with a dose of optimism. In the short run many lights are red. But if we undertake the right reforms then the weather at the end of the tunnel will be better than at its beginning.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-future-will-be-bright-if-we-want-it-to-be/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-future-will-be-bright-if-we-want-it-to-be/</guid>
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<title>Call for a broad pension strategy</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos responds to the demonstrations against pension reform. The debate is poisoned by a combination of denial, fundamentalism and utopic spinning. He argues for a general mobilization for a broad pension strategy, carried by visionary realism.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/call-for-a-broad-pension-strategy/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/call-for-a-broad-pension-strategy/</guid>
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<title>Do not obstruct, but construct</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos responds to the union march against the government. The protesters underestimate the situation and the government offers too little positive perspective through structural reforms. We are not reforming too much but too little.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/donotobstructbutconstruct/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/donotobstructbutconstruct/</guid>
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<title>From Dexia to energy invoices</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Laurent Hanseeuw and Ivan van de Cloot recall the structure of a liberalized energy market and the appropriate regulation it requires. Political projects which intend to maintain, or even rise, revenues for municipalities via the so-called distribution tariffs should be avoided. The losses related to Dexia&#8217;s fall should be compensated by other means.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/from-dexia-to-energy-invoices/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/from-dexia-to-energy-invoices/</guid>
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<title>Comparison between Belgium and the Netherlands: tables and figures</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Itinera organised a Belgium-the Netherlands on &#8220;working longer&#8221;. The Netherlands proved to be not the best student in the class. Nevertheless, they beat Belgium on about all parameters characterizing an age-friendly labour market.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/comparisonbetweenbelgiumandthenetherlandstablesandfigures/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/comparisonbetweenbelgiumandthenetherlandstablesandfigures/</guid>
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<title>Presentation: working longer in Belgium</title>
<description><![CDATA[ All the political parties are talking about it. The Generation Pact wanted to realize it. But will we manage to create an age-friendly labor market? Marc De Vos pleads for a new Age Pact that must prepare our labor market for the imminent demographic changes. It consists of structural reforms that must be implemented gradually, temporary measures that will have an immediate effect, and a general mobilization through more symbolism.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/presentationworkinglongerinbelgium/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/presentationworkinglongerinbelgium/</guid>
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<title>Presentation: working longer in the Netherlands</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Judith Roosblad from the Council for Work and Revenue makes an evaluation of the situation of older workers on the Dutch labor market. She also analyses the policy initiatives that have thus far been taken. Compared to Belgium, the Netherlands are further in the modernization of the labor market when it comes to facilitating longer careers: less pre-pensions, an active approach to lay-offs, and a more visionary way of looking at the career of the future. Moreover, the Dutch pension system is more adapted to demographic imbalances thanks to an important capitalization component and an increase of the legal pension age.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/presentationworkinglongerinthenetherlands/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/presentationworkinglongerinthenetherlands/</guid>
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<title>Working longer in the Netherlands</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Judith Roosblad from the Council for Work and Revenue makes an evaluation of the situation of older workers on the Dutch labor market. She also analyses the policy initiatives that have thus far been taken. Compared to Belgium, the Netherlands are further in the modernization of the labor market when it comes to facilitating longer careers: less pre-pensions, an active approach to lay-offs, and a more visionary way of looking at the career of the future. Moreover, the Dutch pension system is more adapted to demographic imbalances thanks to an important capitalization component and an increase of the legal pension age. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/working-longer-in-the-netherlands/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/working-longer-in-the-netherlands/</guid>
</item>
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<title>Working longer: a policy agenda from a Belgian perspective</title>
<description><![CDATA[ All the political parties are talking about it. The Generation Pact wanted to realize it. But will we manage to create an age-friendly labor market? Marc De Vos pleads for a new Age Pact that must prepare our labor market for the imminent demographic changes. It consists of structural reforms that must be implemented gradually, temporary measures that will have an immediate effect, and a general mobilization through more symbolism. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/workinglongerapolicyagendafromabelgianperspective/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/workinglongerapolicyagendafromabelgianperspective/</guid>
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<title>Video: From #NoGov to #GoodGov</title>
<description><![CDATA[ ]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/videofromnogovtogoodgov/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/videofromnogovtogoodgov/</guid>
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<title>Video: Pension reform by Jean Hindriks</title>
<description><![CDATA[ ]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/videopensionreformbyjeanhindriks/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/videopensionreformbyjeanhindriks/</guid>
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<title>From #NoGov to #GoodGov</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The report &quot;From #NoGov to #GoodGov&quot; is a constructive contribution to the negotiations, from a strategic and long-term perspective. The emphasis lies on the major challenges facing the new government, with 45 concrete recommendations for a vigorous policy.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/fromnogovtogoodgov/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/fromnogovtogoodgov/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Presentation: From #NoGov to #GoodGov</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The report &quot;From #NoGov to #GoodGov&quot; is a constructive contribution to the negotiations, from a strategic and long-term perspective. The emphasis lies on the major challenges facing the new government, with 45 concrete recommendations for a vigorous policy.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/presentationfromnogovtogoodgov/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/presentationfromnogovtogoodgov/</guid>
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<title>The road to a modern unemployment insurance</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos argues for a modern unemployment insurance, through a combination of degressive benefits, progressive career support and eventual societal service. This also settles the debate on time limits for benefits, and on the waiting benefits for the young.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/de-weg-naar-een-moderne-werkloosheidsverzekering/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/de-weg-naar-een-moderne-werkloosheidsverzekering/</guid>
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<title>Modernize dismissal</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos pleads once more for a modern dismissal law with a pillar re-employment and pre-financing. This will not happen unless it is integrated into the coalition negotiations.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/modernize-dismissal/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/modernize-dismissal/</guid>
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<title>&#8220;BHV&#8221; casts its shadow</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos sees how &#8220;BHV&#8221; casts a long shadow, also on the budget for 2012. He fears for &#8220;Royco Minute Soup&#8221; while the budget should follow from strategic vision and structural reforms.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/bhv-casts-its-shadow/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/bhv-casts-its-shadow/</guid>
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<title>Less fiscal spendings for less fiscal pressure</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Among the austerity measures and the necessary reforms proposed in the note by formateur Di Rupo, more attention should be given to the necessity to simplify our tax system.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/less-fiscal-spendings-for-less-fiscal-pressure/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/less-fiscal-spendings-for-less-fiscal-pressure/</guid>
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<title>No more fiscal gifts!</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Today adequacy of the tax distortion between savings accounts and other forms of savings is being questioned. Unfortunately the proposed solutions are not the right ones. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/no-more-fiscal-gifts/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/no-more-fiscal-gifts/</guid>
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<title>Double Dip is only the beginning</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos sees six crises that trouble our times: financial, public debt, the growth model, the welfare state, the political system, and all of us who are used to having more for less. There is no need for despondency but we have to take our responsibility in unity and with vision.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/double-dip-is-only-the-beginning/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/double-dip-is-only-the-beginning/</guid>
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<title>We are living beyond our means</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos sees an age of debt everywhere. Our prosperity and welfare are partly rooted in illusion or exploitation, at the expense of the next generation. We will have to become poorer in the upcoming years, in order to become richer again.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/we-are-living-beyond-our-means/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/we-are-living-beyond-our-means/</guid>
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<title>No age fetishism in pension reform</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos nuances the discussion on the legal retirement age. What really matters is the actual work that our society requires as the solidarity contribution that entitles one to a pension. An adjustment to demographics is unavoidable and needs to be decided as soon as possible. But we need to work longer now if we are to have the Baby-Boomers share in the burden.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/no-age-fetishism-in-pension-reform/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/no-age-fetishism-in-pension-reform/</guid>
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<title>Only a demand driven sector can really satisfy the &#8216;mediors&#8217; </title>
<description><![CDATA[ Some coast towns have difficulties providing in enough eldercare infrastructure because of the phenomenon of double ageing they face. In this opinion piece, Brieuc Van Damme discusses why the current system is at the very core of this problem and how personalized budgets can help. By financing eldercare from a supply-side perspective, we deny two essential features of the new seniors, the so-called &#8216;mediors&#8217;. They want more budgetary and geographical freedom in the organization of their care. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/only-a-demand-driven-sector-can-really-satisfy-the-mediors/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/only-a-demand-driven-sector-can-really-satisfy-the-mediors/</guid>
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<title>Cooperation between generations will lead to a new &#8216;grand design&#8217; for our welfare state </title>
<description><![CDATA[ We can hardly feel the effects of ageing and there are the first generational conflicts already. The societal divides will no longer be vertical, but between the different age groups. In this opinion piece Brieuc Van Damme analyses where the recent indignation from the youngsters comes from and suggests a new &#8216;grand design&#8217; for our welfare state. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/cooperation-between-generations-will-lead-to-a-new-grand-design-for-our-welfare-state/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/cooperation-between-generations-will-lead-to-a-new-grand-design-for-our-welfare-state/</guid>
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<title>Pension&#8217;s solutions in an ageing country</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Ivan Van de Cloot approves that finally the pension debate is again on the table. In 2011 we cannot longer believe in financing the ageing costs without breaking down the taboo of 65 as the end of the career. As long as responsibility is taken, everyone can make his career choices in full freedom. The notional pension system makes sure it is the contributions to the system which determine the rights and no longer the fetish of the age of a person.Ivan Van de Cloot approves that finally the pension debate is again on the table. In 2011 we cannot longer believe in financing the ageing costs without breaking down the taboo of 65 as the end of the career. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pensions-solutions-in-an-ageing-country/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pensions-solutions-in-an-ageing-country/</guid>
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<title>The budgetary challenge is a fundamental societal choice</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos argues that the budgetary crisis is a systemic crisis. Improving the system is therefore the only sustainable solution. That means giving priority to efficiency gains over austerity, and to tax reform over tax increases. If we want to draw the lessons from the crisis and start the future with a clean sheet, we have no choice: we need to reform structurally and strategically.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-budgetary-challenge-is-a-fundamental-societal-choice/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-budgetary-challenge-is-a-fundamental-societal-choice/</guid>
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<title>The pensions: concerns us all</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The social contract is ruptured.  We have to re-establish confidence between generations through a new social contract]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-pensions-concerns-us-all/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-pensions-concerns-us-all/</guid>
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<title>Democracy in times of economic turmoil</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Ivan Van de Cloot points out that democratically elected leader shouldn&#8217;t avoid necessary reforms. Key is to show that after difficult choices have been made, economic prosperity is again achievable. Gentle healers make stinking wounds. Experience has demonstrated that even drastic measures can be digested if one can present a positive perspective on the long term. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/democracy-in-times-of-economic-turmoil/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/democracy-in-times-of-economic-turmoil/</guid>
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<title>More equality is no panacea</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos offers some personal perspectives on the thesis that more equality automatically implies more societal wellbeing. Economic growth is critically needed and implies inequalities. Without growth there can be no social security that guarantees wellbeing into the future. Inequalities have downsides, but more equality is no free lunch.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/more-equality-is-no-panacea/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/more-equality-is-no-panacea/</guid>
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<title>How can we solve the white economy&#8217;s HR problem? </title>
<description><![CDATA[ The care sector is angry. The wages are not in line with the irregularity of the working hours. The pressure is high too. The sector needs more money and more people. This is, in a nutshell, one of the most worrisome social challenges we will have to face in the nearby future. Brieuc Van Damme analyses why supply and demand are out of balance on the &#8216;white&#8217; labor market and advances concrete policy proposals to help solving the sector&#8217;s HR problem. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-can-we-solve-the-white-economys-hr-problem/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-can-we-solve-the-white-economys-hr-problem/</guid>
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<title>The &#8220;Fries-revolution&#8221;: revolutionaries or reactionaries?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos is critical about the demands of the so-called &#8220;Fries-revolution&#8221;. Real revolution is about giving more, not about claiming more. One cannot fill a hole by digging other and deeper ones.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-fries-revolution-revolutionaries-or-reactionaries/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-fries-revolution-revolutionaries-or-reactionaries/</guid>
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<title>Towards a more demand driven care sector</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Our policymakers only modestly take into account the aspirations of their care needing citizens. They want to have their say en be given the possibility to compose and pay for their care basket. A bigger demand injection in other words and personal care budgets will achieve just that. Foreign examples have shown that by doing so new initiatives have seen the light. Furthermore, economists expect the increased dynamism will translate into lower prices and better quality, fellow Brieuc Van Damme says.  ]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/towards-a-more-demand-driven-caresector/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/towards-a-more-demand-driven-caresector/</guid>
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<title>Why Belgium is heading for the wall</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos contests Belgium&#8217;s good news show. The economic context is temporarily favourable. But we are on the threshold of the great awakening from years of non-governance, in budget, pensions, labour market, and healthcare. The resigning government has the pedagogical duty to raise awareness among the general public.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/why-belgium-is-heading-for-the-wall/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/why-belgium-is-heading-for-the-wall/</guid>
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<title>Palace revolution in the Flemish eldercare</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Zorgnet Vlaanderen, the most important actor in the eldercare sector, wants to do away with the renovation and construction subsidies of nursing homes. A good idea, says Brieuc Van Damme, because the VIPA subsidies are counterproductive. Instead of financing bricks, government should use the subsidies to help make quality care accessible for the poorest elders.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/palace-revolution-in-the-flemish-eldercare/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/palace-revolution-in-the-flemish-eldercare/</guid>
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<title>New contract for pensions is necessary</title>
<description><![CDATA[ This new report from the Dutch planning office shed the lights on the Dutch pension funds&#8217; increasing deficit. They call for a thorough reform of the pension contract in order to avoid an impoverishment of future retirees while guaranteeing a balance in intergenerational solidarity. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/new-contract-for-pensions-is-necessary/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/new-contract-for-pensions-is-necessary/</guid>
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<title>We need to break through the crisis of the Belgian consensus model</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos diagnoses the ongoing difficulties with the new inter-sectorial bargaining agreement. Our consensus model is failing. Politicians and social partners stare at each other and freeze our democracy into one big Stockholm Syndrome. In the absence of political leadership, only a collective awakening to urgency and necessity can force a breakthrough.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/we-need-to-break-through-the-crisis-of-the-belgian-consensus-model/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/we-need-to-break-through-the-crisis-of-the-belgian-consensus-model/</guid>
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<title>Who is afraid of a Japanese decade?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ For the second time in a decade, central banks around the world have responded to the collapse of an asset bubble by moving aggressively to ease monetary policy, a tactic explicitly justified by the need to avoid a Japanese-style &#8216;lost decade&#8217;. The problem, however; as argued in this commentary, is that Japan never lost a decade&#8230; The reason is simple: Japan&#8217;s overall growth rates have been quite low, but growth was achieved despite a rapidly shrinking working-age population. With regards to its working-age population, Japan has actually outperformed comparing to most other rich countries. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/who-is-afraid-of-a-japanese-decade/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/who-is-afraid-of-a-japanese-decade/</guid>
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<item>
<title>The inter-sectorial agreement: a Belgian compromise too far</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos detects a typical Belgian compromise in the new inter-sectorial bargaining agreement. The glass is half-full and half-empty: the social partners have played their roles as curators but have failed in their responsibility of reformers. Especially the construction of a uniform protection for blue collar and white collar workers misses a historical opportunity for modernizing dismissal protection.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-inter-sectorial-agreement-a-belgian-compromise-too-far/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-inter-sectorial-agreement-a-belgian-compromise-too-far/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>A step-by-step plan to regionalize the unemployment insurance</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos reacts to the quarrel about the possible regionalization of unemployment insurance with a concrete step-by-step plan. The existing regional competences in labour market policy can be strengthened, resulting in a better labour market for all. The combination of autonomy and solidarity can be achieved through an appropriate financing mechanism.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/a-step-by-step-plan-to-regionalize-the-unemployment-insurance/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/a-step-by-step-plan-to-regionalize-the-unemployment-insurance/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Finding the right budgetary path</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium not only has to cut its deficit but also needs budget surpluses to consolidate public debt. It&#8217;s important not to be blinded by cyclical improvements as they will be dwarfed by new costs due to ageing. An ad hoc austerity committee can start preparing by identifying savings which will be predominantly expenditure cuts given our high tax burden.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/finding-the-right-budgetary-path/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/finding-the-right-budgetary-path/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The Baby-boom Generation needs to take up its responsibility now</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos reflects on the new year. The year in which the first Baby-boomers reach the legal retirement age must be the year when this generation takes up its responsibility. The intergenerational solidarity upon which our welfare state is built is becoming a Ponzi scheme on the back of the young generation.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-baby-boom-generation-needs-to-take-up-its-responsibility-now/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-baby-boom-generation-needs-to-take-up-its-responsibility-now/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The papy-boom has started. What now?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ While the rest of Europe awakens to put order into their public finances and to prepare the pension shock, Belgium goes back to bed with its institutional problems. But the problem needs to be addressed now. With half a million pensioners more within the next 10 years the pension crisis has become acute. Moreover, the legal pensions are too low and their financing too uncertain. All the productivity gains of the past years have already been used. According to Jean Hindriks and Isabelle Martin, the real solution consists of creating more jobs and have people working longer, not only in theory but in practice. This is a collective responsibility as we will need to create more than a hundred new jobs every day in order to maintain a balanced pension budget. Together we can manage this challenge. We need a treaty between generations and the social partners.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-papy-boom-has-started-what-now/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-papy-boom-has-started-what-now/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Presentation: Turning necessity into opportunity: working longer, at last!</title>
<description><![CDATA[ ]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/turningnecessityworking/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/turningnecessityworking/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Turning necessity into opportunity: working longer, at last!</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos sees how all political parties acknowledge the necessity of working longer while the reality on the labour market does not follow, notwithstanding the Generation Pact. The crisis has again put older workers in the firing line. A new Generation Pact is not necessary: we need to address the root causes of the marginalisation of older workers on the labour market. He proposes an action plan with measures for both the short term and the medium term. The Itinera Institute calls upon policy makers and social partners to urgently implement structural reforms that will yield an age-friendly labour market to the benefit of everybody, including the worker.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/xxxxxxxxxxxxxx/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/xxxxxxxxxxxxxx/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Working and Ageing</title>
<description><![CDATA[ With the ageing issue, raising the labour-market participation of ageing people has become a relevant option in the attempt to preserve the sustainability of the pension systems and to avoid big labour-market shortages. This study from the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) analyzes the link between ageing, performance, learning and working, and the factors enabling or hampering people to continue working at advanced age. It also shares reflexions and recommendations about the policies that could match individual and organization needs and stimulate older workers&#8217; motivation to work longer.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/working-and-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/working-and-ageing/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>How the social negociations can go beyond the wage norm</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos vents frustration at the recurrent black-and-white debate on wage moderation in Belgium. We need a broader social compact and a new consensus on competitiveness and a better labour market. That can break the tunnel vision on the bi-annual wage norm.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-the-social-negociations-can-go-beyond-the-wage-norm/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-the-social-negociations-can-go-beyond-the-wage-norm/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>What comes after multiculturalism ?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos acknowledges the death of multiculturalism. He formulates three subsequent priorities: selective immigration with efficient enforcement, a broad strategy to combat exclusion, and the reassessment of nationality as the crowning of integration. The latter demands the rediscovery of identity.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/what-comes-after-multiculturalism-/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/what-comes-after-multiculturalism-/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Grey gold &#8211; How the babyboomers can make eldercare a success story </title>
<description><![CDATA[ The debate on ageing has been going on for quite a few years, but nothing has actually been done. The clock keeps ticking&#8230; With this book we want to stimulate the reform process, and offer a new reference frame for the debate. All too often the debate is focussed on the costs and burdens. Eldercare is more than retirement homes, homecare and care for the demented. In this book we offer concrete policy proposals on the financing of eldercare, on how the available money is best spent (we strongly believe the elderly are best placed to make such decisions, and not the care facilities), on how we can resolve the personnel shortage, and how we can prepare our houses and neighbourhoods for the 3rd age.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/xxxxxxxxxxxx/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/xxxxxxxxxxxx/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Grey gold &#8211; How the babyboomers can make eldercare a success story: Memento </title>
<description><![CDATA[ ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/grey-gold-how-the-babyboomers-can-make-eldercare-a-success-story/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/grey-gold-how-the-babyboomers-can-make-eldercare-a-success-story/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Grey gold:How the babyboomers can make eldercare a success story: Executive Summary </title>
<description><![CDATA[ ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/x/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/x/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Unavoidable austerity can also be useful</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos explains why austerity is necessary and inevitable in Europe and Belgium. But the essence is smart austerity through structural reforms that have been postponed for too long. Austerity will hurt in the short run but should benefit us for ever afterwards.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/unavoidable-austerity-can-also-be-useful/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/unavoidable-austerity-can-also-be-useful/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The sustainability of reforms in the pension system in Europe</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Many countries already reformed their pension system. But are these reforms sufficient to counter the demographic impact? Or do they reduce the generosity of the old system too much? This report of the Centre of Analysis of Social Exclusion (London School off Economics) analyzes the sustainability of the pension system, taking into account these reforms. It also makes some political considerations and in addition justifies pushing back the retirement age.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-sustainability-of-reforms-in-the-pension-system-in-europe/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-sustainability-of-reforms-in-the-pension-system-in-europe/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>A social Europe needs austerity</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos reflects on the unions&#8217; European demonstration against austerity. Lax budgetary policy prior to the crisis, the missed opportunity of the Lisbon strategy, and the haphazard preparation of ageing have made the toll of the crisis very heavy. Austerity is not an option: it is a duty. Its terms can and should be debated, but our social model cannot survive without reforms and sound budgets.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/a-social-europe-needs-austerity/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/a-social-europe-needs-austerity/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Decline is the alternative for reform and austerity</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos criticizes the unions&#8217; demonstration against pension reform and austerity. Working longer is crucial to absorbing the enormous demographic shift, to keeping pensions affordable and decent and to balancing the solidarity between the generations. Obstinate resistance postpones the necessary until it becomes inevitable and very painful.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/decline-is-the-alternative-for-reform-and-austerity/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/decline-is-the-alternative-for-reform-and-austerity/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The crisis is our collective failure</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos explains how the budgetary crisis is our collective failure: neglect prior to the crisis and self-interest after the crisis. The morality of our crisis tale is that we have the duty to pass on the economy in better health to the next generation. Austerity to improve and by improving is the key ingredient of successful fiscal consolidation.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 09 Sep 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-crisis-is-our-collective-failure/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-crisis-is-our-collective-failure/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Regionalize the use of unemployment benefits</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos makes three proposals to fortify the regional capacity for more job opportunities in Belgium: competence over control and sanctions, master of the suitable job description, and the use of unemployment benefits. In this way, one overcomes old dogmas while having the best of three worlds.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/regionalize-the-use-of-unemployment-benefits/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/regionalize-the-use-of-unemployment-benefits/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pensions reform: why and how</title>
<description><![CDATA[ A much debated topic is the precarious financial situation of the Belgian pension system.  Drastic structural reforms are inevitable to keep the current repartition system afloat.  This report by the French Institut Montaigne brings up a number of interesting ideas in this respect.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pensions-reform-why-and-how/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pensions-reform-why-and-how/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Policy reform is ageing&#8217;s real challenge</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos vents his frustration at the occasion of the umpteenth annual report of Belgian Commission on Ageing. The preparation for Ageing has simply failed. The figures do not match. Only strong policy reform and a clear growth strategy can save us. We do not need commissions that calculate budgets, but rather commissions that advise on reform.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/policy-reform-is-ageing-real-challenge/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/policy-reform-is-ageing-real-challenge/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Europe 2020 and Belgium: the challenges</title>
<description><![CDATA[ What do we have to do in order to achieve a better and sustainable growth after the crisis? What are the main challenges in our social and economic policy? What choices does Belgium have to make after the federal elections of June 13th? 

The European Commission aims to inspire with the &#8220;Europe 2020&#8221; strategy. 

During a conference day organised by the Itinera Institute and the European Commission, prominent speakers from the political, economic and academic world debated on the main themes of this European strategy and its application in Belgium.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/europe-2020-and-belgium-the-challenges/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/europe-2020-and-belgium-the-challenges/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>There is no alternative for austerity and reform</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos explains why the international economic context further complicates the Belgian scene. Slower growth and the risk of a double dip require level-headed policy. The state can do no more. Austerity and reform are inevitable. A stable and strong government is necessary.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/there-is-no-alternative-for-austerity-and-reform/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/there-is-no-alternative-for-austerity-and-reform/</guid>
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<item>
<title>Allow demotion as a means to extend careers</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Not available in this language]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/allow-demotion-as-a-means-to-extend-careers/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/allow-demotion-as-a-means-to-extend-careers/</guid>
</item>
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<title>Allow pensioners to cumulate and combine</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Not available in this language]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/allow-pensioners-to-cumulate-and-combine/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/allow-pensioners-to-cumulate-and-combine/</guid>
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<title>Limit the &#8220;equal periods&#8221; in the calculation of pension amounts</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Not available in this language]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/limit-the-equal-periods-in-the-calculation-of-pension-amounts/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/limit-the-equal-periods-in-the-calculation-of-pension-amounts/</guid>
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<title>Tax income from labour and pensions in the same way</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Not available in this language]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/tax-income-from-labour-and-pensions-in-the-same-way/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/tax-income-from-labour-and-pensions-in-the-same-way/</guid>
</item>
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<title>Generalize complementary pensions</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Not available in this language]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/generalize-complementary-pensions/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/generalize-complementary-pensions/</guid>
</item>
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<title>Individualize pension rights</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Not available in this language]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/individualize-pension-rights/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/individualize-pension-rights/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Make the labour market age-conscious</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Not available in this language]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/make-the-labour-market-age-conscious/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/make-the-labour-market-age-conscious/</guid>
</item>
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<title>Promote annuities to safeguard pensions in the future</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Not available in this language]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/promote-annuities-to-safeguard-pensions-in-the-future/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/promote-annuities-to-safeguard-pensions-in-the-future/</guid>
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<title>Switch to a system of notional accounts to safeguard pensions in the future</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Not available in this language]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/switch-to-a-system-of-notional-accounts-to-safeguard-pensions-in-the-future/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/switch-to-a-system-of-notional-accounts-to-safeguard-pensions-in-the-future/</guid>
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<title>Austerity through reform in public governance and in healthcare</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos supports the austerity goals but stresses that austerity needs to be tied to clever and structural reform. Linear cost reduction is the easy way that will not necessarily yield effective public governance and efficient healthcare. Structural reform can turn the crisis into a great opportunity.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/austerity-through-reform-in-public-governance-and-in-healthcare/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/austerity-through-reform-in-public-governance-and-in-healthcare/</guid>
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<title>The 1st pillar pensions in Belgium</title>
<description><![CDATA[ In January 2008, the average legal pension in Belgium was equal to 1155&#8364; but could more of less vary with the pension regime, the age, the career, etc. But is this amount sufficient to maintain the purchasing power of elderly people and preserve them from poverty? Which role has to be given to the 2d and 3d pillars? This report from the Federal Plan Bureau analyses our 1st pillar pension system and its efficiency to respond to social objectives. In one word, it provides interesting figures and reflections to feed the pension and ageing debate.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 27 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-1st-pillar-pensions-in-belgium/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-1st-pillar-pensions-in-belgium/</guid>
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<title>The figures of realism on budget and ageing</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos explains how Belgium faces a daunting budgetary challenge, with major austerity in the short-run and the need for budget surpluses in the medium term. At the same time, structural reforms in social security are inevitable and economic potential must improve, while state reform will crown it all. The following government will be on of blood, sweat, toil, and tears.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 21 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-figures-of-realism-on-budget-and-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-figures-of-realism-on-budget-and-ageing/</guid>
</item>
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<title>Evolutions of the Belgian pension schemes</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium is not prepared for ageing.  There is no need to panic, however, appropriate immediate action is essential.  The red book about pensions evaluates the situation and the evolution of the pensions, and recommends a plan to maintain our pension scheme.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/evolutions-of-the-belgian-pension-schemes/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/evolutions-of-the-belgian-pension-schemes/</guid>
</item>
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<title>Executive Summary:Pensions: Itinera&#8217;s little red book</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium is not prepared for ageing.  There is no need to panic, however, appropriate immediate action is essential.  The red book about pensions evaluates the situation and the evolution of the pensions, and recommends a plan to maintain our pension scheme.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/summary/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/summary/</guid>
</item>
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<title>Note on reforming Belgian pensions</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium is not prepared for ageing.  There is no need to panic, however, appropriate immediate action is essential.  The red book about pensions evaluates the situation and the evolution of the pensions, and recommends a plan to maintain our pension scheme.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/note-on-reforming-belgian-pensions/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/note-on-reforming-belgian-pensions/</guid>
<enclosure url="http://www.itinerainstitute.org/upl/1/default/doc/MEMO%204_pp.pdf" length="244486" type="application/pdf" />
</item>
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<title>Pensions: Itinera's little red book</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium is not prepared for ageing.  There is no need to panic, however, appropriate immediate action is essential.  The red book about pensions evaluates the situation and the evolution of the pensions, and recommends a plan to maintain our pension scheme.


]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pensions-itineras-little-red-book/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pensions-itineras-little-red-book/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Presentation:Itinera's little red book on pensions</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium is not prepared for ageing. There is no need to panic, however, appropriate immediate action is essential. The red book about pensions evaluates the situation and the evolution of the pensions, and recommends a plan to maintain our pension scheme.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/presentationitineras-little-red-book-on-pensions/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/presentationitineras-little-red-book-on-pensions/</guid>
<enclosure url="http://www.itinerainstitute.org/upl/1/default/doc/PPT%20pensions-JH%20IVDC.pdf" length="3059802" type="application/pdf" />
</item>
<item>
<title>Time to put the pension system on ABS</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium is not prepared for ageing.  There is no need to panic, however, appropriate immediate action is essential.  The red book about pensions evaluates the situation and the evolution of the pensions, and recommends a plan to maintain our pension scheme.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 10 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/time-to-put-the-pension-system-on-abs/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/time-to-put-the-pension-system-on-abs/</guid>
<enclosure url="http://www.itinerainstitute.org/upl/1/default/doc/everaert_6.pdf" length="194173" type="application/pdf" />
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<title>Long-term care in Belgium</title>
<description><![CDATA[ This report describes the organization of the Belgian long-term care system. According to the Plan Bureau it can be characterized as a mixed system with extensive public care provision and substantial support from informal care mainly within the family. While the current volume and quality of services appears to be adequate, the future increase in the number of dependent elderly persons over the next two decades as a result of demographic ageing can be expected to become a serious challenge, both in terms of required formal and informal care capacity and financially.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/long-term-care-in-belgium/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/long-term-care-in-belgium/</guid>
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<title>Income retirement security and gender inequalities</title>
<description><![CDATA[ This report from Annika Sunden, is about one of the most important aspects in the pension debate: the retirement income security. For both men and women, there is a substantial income reduction once they retire. However, older women face a higher risk of poverty than older men. The author confronts some country experiences around pension systems and gender inequalities. She also makes some recommendations aimed at improving pension systems so as to reduce gender inequalities in retirement. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/income-retirement-security-and-gender-inequalities/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/income-retirement-security-and-gender-inequalities/</guid>
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<title>The Belgian pension system is not very generous, but not for everybody</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The government has approved the account on pensions delivered by the green book. The debate will continue, the objective being to put together a white book in which will figure concrete proposals to reform Belgium&#8217;s pension system. Jean Hindriks has thoroughly examined the pension problem for several weeks now and gives his first impressions. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-belgian-pension-system-is-not-very-generous-but-not-for-everybody/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-belgian-pension-system-is-not-very-generous-but-not-for-everybody/</guid>
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<item>
<title>Age, wage and productivity</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Studies on the effect of age on productivity and wages find contradicting results. Some studies find that if workers grow older there is an increasing gap between productivity and wages, i.e. wages increase with age while productivity does not or does not increase at the same pace. However, other studies find no evidence of such an age related pay-productivity gap. This IZA study performs an analysis of the relationship between age, wage and productivity. If we want to keep older people at work, this is an important issue for our labour market policy, and one that is indeed accompanied by a reasonable dose of controversy.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/age-wage-and-productivity/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/age-wage-and-productivity/</guid>
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<item>
<title>Budget and labor reform are crucial for the pension debate</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos finds the current political proposals on pension reform too informal, too vague and not sufficiently penetrated with the gravity of the budgetary crisis.  The pension problem is foremost a budgetary problem, and working longer is not sufficient without a labour market reform.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/budget-and-labor-reform-are-crucial-for-the-pension-debate/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/budget-and-labor-reform-are-crucial-for-the-pension-debate/</guid>
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<item>
<title>Choosing failure or success</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Why do we tackle crucial problems so insufficiently ? It is because they are too tricky or because we do not manage to acknowledge them or to adopt an action plan? Pure economic issues of unemployment, poverty, pension financing, competition en public debt are more complex than ecological issues but we still defer the moment when we will deal with them.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/choosing-failure-or-success/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/choosing-failure-or-success/</guid>
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<title>Economic growth is the most important policy priority</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos comments the pitiful socio-economic situation in Belgium. In the next years, each government will have three inevitable priorities: budgetary recovery through saving and taxation, economic recovery with more growth and jobs, and a fundamental social security reform, both in the organization and in the financing. Economic recovery is the most important, but it also requires a mentality shift from politicians and administrations. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/economic-growth-is-the-most-important-policy-priority/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/economic-growth-is-the-most-important-policy-priority/</guid>
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<title>A higher State Pension Age in the UK</title>
<description><![CDATA[ In the UK, a higher State Pension Age (SPA) has been accepted by the government as one of the solution to the ageing challenge. It will gradually increase from 65 to 68 years between 2024 and 2046. In Belgium, such a measure is very unpopular among trade unions and politicians. In this report, PwC analyzes this measure in the UK in terms of fiscal benefits, public finances, workers&#8217; opportunities and employers&#8217; attitudes. With the perspective of a SPA increase, PwC gives an agenda for action to the economic agents implied in the process.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/a-higher-state-pension-age-in-the-uk/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/a-higher-state-pension-age-in-the-uk/</guid>
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<title>Philanthropy, also in times of crisis </title>
<description><![CDATA[ Philanthropy could be considered as an economic activity that creates welfare: a donation of 500 Euros, for example, means that the act of giving is worth more to the donator than the given amount of 500. The receiver&#8217;s welfare will increase too, and therefore we could speak of a philanthropy multiplicator effect. Encouraging philanthropy by fiscal means can thus be seen as creating value added.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/philanthropy-also-in-times-of-crisis/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/philanthropy-also-in-times-of-crisis/</guid>
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<title>Social security as a tool, not as a goal</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos reflects about the necessity of a welfare state reform. We can create a breathing space by realizing that social protection can do without social security.  Social protection has an economic future. Acting for this future also means acting for the future of social security. Social security can improve if we consider it as a tool and not as a goal on itself.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/social-security-as-a-tool-not-as-a-goal/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/social-security-as-a-tool-not-as-a-goal/</guid>
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<title>Eurozone credibility put to the test</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The one who simply reduces the current crisis of confidence in the member states solvency to a Greek problem, understood very few things. There are risks associated to the large expansion of the eurozone which are too often dictated by political motives, let&#8217;s hope that the European leaders will notice this now.  As Europe gives a signal not just to watch but to undertake appropriate action, is it important that one indicates the exact bounderies of how far and under which conditions support can be given.  It is also an evidence that at present and in the future a lot of lessons will need to be drawn with regards to the eurozone.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/eurozone-credibility-put-to-the-test/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/eurozone-credibility-put-to-the-test/</guid>
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<title>Ageing and the Welfare State: Securing Sustainability</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Over the next four decades, increasing old-age dependency ratios exert an enormous upward pressure on welfare spending in most developed countries. As this is mainly due to existing unfunded public pension schemes, many countries have embarked on far-reaching reforms in this area, strengthening actuarial fairness, modifying indexation rules, adding elements of prefunding and, last but not least, attempting to extend the period of economic activity. Efforts to contain costs may also be relevant with regard to public expenditure on health and long-term care but, thus far, no country has started to really deal with these issues. This CESIFO paper discusses all these reform options in the light of securing a sustainable welfare state.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-and-the-welfare-state-securing-sustainability/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-and-the-welfare-state-securing-sustainability/</guid>
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<title>Consuming more or consuming less</title>
<description><![CDATA[ During the twentieth century, the global population increased by 6 billions (four times more) and the industrial production increased by a factor 40. Our energy consumption went up by a factor 16 and CO&#178; emissions by a factor 10. In this context, it is crucial to wonder if our current consumption pattern will endanger the living standards of future generations to come. The conclusion seems to be that it is not so much our consumption level that will endanger our well-being in the long run, but rather the composition of what we consume (e.g. polluting goods versus less polluting goods)]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/consuming-or-consuming-less/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/consuming-or-consuming-less/</guid>
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<title>Basic principles for an ideal pension system</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Will the National Conference for Pension provide the conclusions we hardly are expecting? Will it suggest the reforms our pension system really needs? After a brief presentation of our current pension system, Voka, Flanders&#8217; Chamber of Commerce and Industry, exposes, in this report, the basic principles essentials for the viability of a system aimed at guarantying future seniors&#8217; welfare. The combination of repartition and capitalization, the increase of the replacement ratio and a pension calculus on the basis of the career length belongs to these principles.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/basic-principles-for-an-ideal-pension-system/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/basic-principles-for-an-ideal-pension-system/</guid>
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<title>When will Belgium let unwillingness and incapacity behind her?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos makes some New Year reflections about the state of Belgium. In his view, we had a lost decade with unwillingness and incapacity. First, change will come step by step. The federal elections pulse will then really be necessary to put an end to incapacity.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/when-will-belgium-let-unwillingness-and-incapacity-behind-her/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/when-will-belgium-let-unwillingness-and-incapacity-behind-her/</guid>
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<title>Another job scheme is not the best way to tackle unemployment</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos considers the new job scheme as a step in the good direction, but warns us about its perverse effects. The related budget should have been better spent via individual career guidance.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/another-job-scheme-is-not-the-best-way-to-tackle-unemployment/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/another-job-scheme-is-not-the-best-way-to-tackle-unemployment/</guid>
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<title>All hands on deck for a responsible budgetary policy</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The Itinera Institute already urged in September 2009 that the government had to adopt more ambitious budgetary objectives. The exhortation from the High Council of Finance to do so is a real opportunity for everyone who cares about the fight for the guaranty of the essence of our social model.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/all-hands-on-deck-for-a-responsible-budgetary-policy/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/all-hands-on-deck-for-a-responsible-budgetary-policy/</guid>
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<title>Public and private pensions: Lessons from the crisis</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The population of Europe is ageing and, as a result, pension systems are exposed to major difficulties. This requires measures to increase employment rates, to prolong working lives, promote qualified migration, and to curb, to some extent, income replacement rates. Private pension systems are, just like the public ones, dependent on adequate economic growth rates, as well as being equally sensitive to demographic change; what is more, unlike public systems, they are highly risk-susceptible in relation to financial markets. Therefore, the much lower-risk approach is to secure old-age pensions via public systems, this ETUI article argues.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/public-and-private-pensions-lessons-from-the-crisis/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/public-and-private-pensions-lessons-from-the-crisis/</guid>
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<title>Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Worldwide, pension systems are organized in very different ways. Compulsory and/or voluntary, public and/or private, personal and/or workplace-based arrangements, defined benefit and/or defined contribution: cross-country comparisons of pension systems are not an easy job. In this report, the Melbourne Centre for Financial Studies presents an index, the Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index, that compares the pension systems in eleven countries across America, Europe and Pacific  Asia. The important notions of adequacy, sustainability and integrity are seriously considered in this index. That is a new approach that could help us to detect good practices abroad.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/melbourne-mercer-global-pension-index/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/melbourne-mercer-global-pension-index/</guid>
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<title>The single employment status for both blue collar and white collar workers needs to be better and more modern</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The discussion about a single employment status between both blue collar and white collar workers can not be limited to a discussion about the redundancy period. We need a better dismissal regulation that promotes employability. That is the only way to manage ageing. Here is a project for a more modern dismissal regulation in line with foreign experience. When are we going to also adopt in Belgium a vision in favour of a better labour market?]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 07 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-single-employment-status-for-both-blue-collar-and-white-collar-workers-needs-to-be-better-and-more-modern/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-single-employment-status-for-both-blue-collar-and-white-collar-workers-needs-to-be-better-and-more-modern/</guid>
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<title>Technologies for managing dependency </title>
<description><![CDATA[ The risk of being physically and psychologically dependant increases when people become older. With an ageing population, our societies will need to have the means to properly assist our less autonomous elders. This study from the Centre d&#8217;analyse strat&#233;gique (France) suggests developing appropriate technologies for elders and weighs their pros and cons. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/technologies-for-managing-dependency/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/technologies-for-managing-dependency/</guid>
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<title>Pension schemes and pension projections 2008-2060</title>
<description><![CDATA[ How much will the pensions cost in the future? For how long will our pension system be sustainable? How will growth evolve with an ageing population? In this report, the European Commission has updated the long-term economic and budgetary projections made by the 2009 Ageing Report. For every Member State of the EU-27, it gives a description of the pension systems, discusses the reforms recently achieved, and presents pension expenditure projections. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pension-schemes-and-pension-projections/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pension-schemes-and-pension-projections/</guid>
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<title>Ageing and well-being</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The population ageing debate must go beyond the usual focus on pensions, health and care. The more general well-being of our elders has to be taken in consideration too. This report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (UK) investigates four areas (relationships, work, training and infrastructure) through which older people could still actively participate as long as possible in our society. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-and-well-being/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-and-well-being/</guid>
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<title>Lessons of the Financial Crisis for the Design of National Pension Systems</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Pension funds all over the world had a hard time the past 12 months. In the Netherlands, some people even feared the compulsory and complementary occupational pension benefits would not (entirely) be paid out. Based on the recent financial crisis and historical record, this CESifo working paper draws important lessons and makes substantial recommendations about the design of national pension systems.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/lessons-of-the-financial-crisis-for-the-design-of-national-pension-systems/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/lessons-of-the-financial-crisis-for-the-design-of-national-pension-systems/</guid>
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<title>Comparison of pension system yields</title>
<description><![CDATA[ There is no doubt about it: we have to reform our pension system if we want to guaranty its adequacy and financial sustainability. But in which direction do we have to make it evolve? To what extend does capitalization (2d and 3d pillar) has to be promoted with respect to repartition (1st pillar)? In this HIVA publication, the authors make a comparative yield analysis of our 3 pillars &#8211; through time and space. This study provides relevant theoretical and empirical items for the pension reform debate.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/comparison-of-pension-systems-yields/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/comparison-of-pension-systems-yields/</guid>
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<title>Short-term impact of pension reforms on older workers&#8217; participation rates in the EU</title>
<description><![CDATA[ In the last century, life expectancy has significantly increased in developed countries and many think that an increase of the legal age of retirement is therefore a justified measure for pension reform. In this publication of ECOFIN, the authors study the short-term impact of such a measure on male and female participation rates in Europe. They also discuss the importance of informing workers about pension arrangements.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/short-term-impact-of-pension-reforms/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/short-term-impact-of-pension-reforms/</guid>
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<title>Belgian healthcare needs an American revolution</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos explains how American and Belgian healthcare have the same characteristics and challenges in common. Belgium can learn from the reform debate in the US. We are in a denial state about the necessity for another healthcare. Here also, healthcare effectiveness, efficiency and quality have to be a central concern.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/belgian-healthcare-needs-an-american-revolution/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/belgian-healthcare-needs-an-american-revolution/</guid>
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<title>Ageing can benefit to all ages</title>
<description><![CDATA[ More of us are living longer than before. Ageing should, therefore, also be seen as one the biggest success stories of our Age. We cannot but recognise, however, that changes will fundamentally reshape our families and communities so our society must adapt to make the most of this new reality. Improving the quality of current older people&#8217;s lives will become a government priority as older people will gain weight in the electorate. In this report, the British Government sets out its long-term vision for everybody to enjoy the opportunities of an ageing society. Maybe, this will inspire Belgium&#8217;s politicians. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-can-benefit-to-all-ages/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-can-benefit-to-all-ages/</guid>
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<title>The effect of age on productivity investigated</title>
<description><![CDATA[ As employees become older they become more experienced, yet their health and strength declines as well. The general presumption is that aging implies a decline in productivity, but does that hold true? In this paper of the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) data is examined from running contests, output of publications and firms. The author finds differences in the effect of aging on mental and physical productivity which might differ with your expectations.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-effect-of-age-on-productivity-investigated/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-effect-of-age-on-productivity-investigated/</guid>
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<title>How to avoid a pension crisis with a new system design</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Pension reforms seem unavoidable if we want to guaranty a relatively equivalent purchasing power to the next generations of pensioners. In this IZA publication, the authors suggest to reconsider the pension system design in itself by combining a Bismarckian scheme with an unconventional one linked to individual investments in one&#8217;s children education. They also give strong arguments and evidence defending the idea that, with such a system, fertility, education, labour productivity and work incentives can, all at the same time, only be stimulated positively.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-to-avoid-a-pension-crisis-with-a-new-system-design/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-to-avoid-a-pension-crisis-with-a-new-system-design/</guid>
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<title>Retirement homes in the 21st century</title>
<description><![CDATA[ With ageing retirement homes are back in the spotlights. In Belgium, 42% of people older than 85 live in a retirement home, compared to 21% for those older than 80 and 8% for those older than 65. This means that a majority of our seniors still lives at home where some of them receive help and care from social and medical services. In this publication from the King Baudouin Foundation, the authors describe the infrastructures and initiatives that already exist in the different Belgian regions. Based on a survey, the report presents some of the most innovative initiatives mentioned by the sector&#8217;s professionals.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/retirement-homes-in-the-21st-century/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/retirement-homes-in-the-21st-century/</guid>
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<title>Firm level effects of increasing the Legal Retirement Age</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Most pay-as-you-go pension systems, like the Belgian one, have increased or plan to increase their legal retirement age (LRA) to address the financial consequences of ageing. Although the success
of these policies is ultimately determined at the labour market, little is known about the effects of higher LRAs at the firm level. This IZA study finds that the wages and hours worked of the older workers are virtually unchanged, although firms employing older workers tend to reduce their hirings, especially of younger workers.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/firm-level-effects-of-increasing-the-legal-retirement-age/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/firm-level-effects-of-increasing-the-legal-retirement-age/</guid>
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<title>The Day After: what are the regional policy priorities for 2009-2014</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The regional elections of 2009 should be a turning point. Due to the economic crisis, the budgetary crisis and the institutional crisis, Belgian&#8217;s regions are faced with new responsibilities.
Now that the votes are counted, the multitude of electoral promises can make way for the reality of negotiations. The Itinera Institute determined 7 regional policy priorities and formulated concrete proposals.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-day-after-what-are-the-regional-policy-priorities-for-2009-2014/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-day-after-what-are-the-regional-policy-priorities-for-2009-2014/</guid>
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<item>
<title>Presentation: the day after: what are the regional policy priorities 2009-2014?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The regional elections of 2009 should be a turning point. Due to the economic crisis, the budgetary crisis and the institutional crisis, Belgian&#8217;s regions are faced with new responsibilities.
Now that the votes are counted, the multitude of electoral promises can make way for the reality of negotiations. The Itinera Institute determined 7 regional policy priorities and formulated concrete proposals.

]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ppt/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ppt/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Executive summary :the day after: what are the regional policy priorities for 2009-2014?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The regional elections of 2009 should be a turning point. Due to the economic crisis, the budgetary crisis and the institutional crisis, Belgian&#8217;s regions are faced with new responsibilities.
Now that the votes are counted, the multitude of electoral promises can make way for the reality of negotiations. The Itinera Institute determined 7 regional policy priorities and formulated concrete proposals.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/executive-summary-the-day-after-what-are-the-regional-policy-priorities-for-2009-2014/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/executive-summary-the-day-after-what-are-the-regional-policy-priorities-for-2009-2014/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Europe&#8217;s demographic future and age-related consequences</title>
<description><![CDATA[ How does our demographic future look like and how will that influence age-related expenditures? How deep in trouble is Belgium compared to the 26 other EU member states? The projections presented here by the European Commission are helpful in highlighting the immediate and future policy challenges for governments posed by demographic trends.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/europe-demographic-future-and-age-related-consequences/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/europe-demographic-future-and-age-related-consequences/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Towards sustainable and adequate pensions</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium and the EU are on the way to sustainable pensions but are not quite there yet. This CEPS study illustrates in a striking and novel way that the spending patterns of today&#8217;s retired cohorts are not possible for the current youngest working-age cohorts. While making recommendations to improve the overall performance of pension schemes, the authors highlight that policy-makers should also continue to monitor the effect of reforms on the adequacy of coverage of particular population groups.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/towards-sustainable-and-adequate-pensions/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/towards-sustainable-and-adequate-pensions/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Put a non budgetary cap on healthcare expenses</title>
<description><![CDATA[ We should put a cap on healthcare expenses. The debate on healthcare reforms should be much wider than on setting the optimal expense level. A growing healthcare sector will create tremendous economic opportunities, Brieuc Van Damme and Ivan Van de Cloot argue. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/put-a-non-budgetary-cap-on-healthcare-expenses/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/put-a-non-budgetary-cap-on-healthcare-expenses/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Budgetary obsession is destined to fail in this century of the health economy</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos recognizes that the growth rates of public expenditures for healthcare are untenable. But he also stresses that no budgetary policy will be able to cover the needs of this century of the health economy with public means alone. We have to address the organisation of healthcare itself.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/budgetary-obsession-is-destined-to-fail-in-this-century-of-the-health-economy/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/budgetary-obsession-is-destined-to-fail-in-this-century-of-the-health-economy/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ageing and long term care needs in the OECD</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Spending on long-term care as a share of GDP rises with the share of the population that is over 80 years old, which is expected to triple from 4 per cent to 11-12 per cent between 2005 and 2050. According to the OECD, this and other factors will add pressures not only on the long-term nursing care expenditures (in Belgium among the highest of the OECD) but also on the workforce of this highly labour-intensive sector. The working paper advances different solutions to manage a growing demand for long term care workers.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-and-long-term-care-needs-in-the-oecd/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-and-long-term-care-needs-in-the-oecd/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Paradigms of future health care organization in Belgium</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium&#8217;s budgetary policy is again crumbling across the board. Marc De Vos and Brieuc Van Damme point out that healthcare policy has been dominated by budgetary concerns for years. Yet, the budget keeps on skyrocketing while the key challenge is increasingly to provide healthcare that is both affordable and accessible, while being of high quality. The authors indicate some directions with potential: increasing investments in ICT, improving coordination and integration between the stakeholders, and a real debate on a multi-pillar structure. Healthcare risks becoming unsustainable without pragmatic but fundamental reform.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/paradigms-of-future-health-care-organization-in-belgium/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/paradigms-of-future-health-care-organization-in-belgium/</guid>
<enclosure url="http://www.itinerainstitute.org/upl/1/default/doc/MEMO08_Breaking%20the%20deadlock_MDV+BVD.pdf" length="410346" type="application/pdf" />
</item>
<item>
<title>Paradigms of future health care organization in Belgium: presentation</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium&#8217;s budgetary policy is again crumbling across the board. Marc De Vos and Brieuc Van Damme point out that healthcare policy has been dominated by budgetary concerns for years. Yet, the budget keeps on skyrocketing while the key challenge is increasingly to provide healthcare that is both affordable and accessible, while being of high quality. The authors indicate some directions with potential: increasing investments in ICT, improving coordination and integration between the stakeholders, and a real debate on a multi-pillar structure. Healthcare risks becoming unsustainable without pragmatic but fundamental reform.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/paradigms-of-future-health-care-organization-in-belgium-presentation/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/paradigms-of-future-health-care-organization-in-belgium-presentation/</guid>
<enclosure url="http://www.itinerainstitute.org/upl/1/default/doc/Presentation_Breaking%20the%20budgetary%20deadlock_MDV+BVD.pdf" length="1494342" type="application/pdf" />
</item>
<item>
<title>Older people also contribute to economic growth</title>
<description><![CDATA[ In the United States, 30% of the new companies is founded by people older than 55 years. Employees aged over 70 are not rare exceptions in several countries. Older people contribute to economic growth and create opportunities for younger people. Unfortunately, the economic potential of older people is hardly recognized in Belgium.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/older-people-also-contribute-to-economic-growth/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/older-people-also-contribute-to-economic-growth/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ageing after the Great Crisis: presentation</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos describes the impact of ageing. He explains how the current crisis sounds the death-knell for the crippled Belgian preparation for ageing. But Belgium remains capable of bearing ageing, if only we succeed in a growth strategy.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-after-the-great-crisis/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-after-the-great-crisis/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Reforming pensions in Europe now!</title>
<description><![CDATA[ With ageing, pension expenditures will be going through the roof and threaten public finances&#8217; stability. The notion of &#8220;pension reforms&#8221; is heard all around Europe. This CESifo paper studies efforts made in this field by European countries and the way some factors like the quality of institutions, public debt, trade unions,&#8230; will have an influence on these efforts. We should make use of today&#8217;s momentum - the crisis and expectations about exploding pension expenditures - to accelerate reforms.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/reforming-pensions-in-europe-now/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/reforming-pensions-in-europe-now/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Use care for the elderly as an economic opportunity</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos points out that care for the elderly constitutes a fantastic economic opportunity. He underscores that government has the task to offer a framework that allows seniors to choose and finance their twilight years. The recent proposals on rest homes risk undermining a burgeoning market and will raise the cost of ageing.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/use-care-for-the-elderly-as-an-economic-opportunity/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/use-care-for-the-elderly-as-an-economic-opportunity/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Video Column: extra government money for retirement homes?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Open VLD put forward the idea of investing government money in retirement homes.
sp.a on the other hand would like to maximize the cost of retirement homes. Marc De Vos explains why he thinks this is not a very good idea.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/video-column-extra-government-money-for-retirement-homes/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/video-column-extra-government-money-for-retirement-homes/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Healthy ageing</title>
<description><![CDATA[ With the ageing our population over coming decades, maintaining health in old age will become increasingly important. Successful policies in this area can increase the potential labour force an the supply of non market services to others. They can also delay the need of longer-term care for elderly. This OECD working paper groups policies into four different types and within each, it describes the range of individual types of programmes that can be brought to bear or to enhance health of the elderly.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/healthy-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/healthy-ageing/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Our financial sustainability</title>
<description><![CDATA[ With all the stimulus plans, loan guaranties and capital injections, our long term financial sustainability is more than ever at the heart of the societal debate. In this working paper from the Plan Bureau, two budgetary policy scenarios are presented in the light of an ageing society. On top of the perspectives of these policy scenarios not being very encouraging, we learn that they do not even take into account the current economic crisis. It&#8217;s about time this lost decade comes to an end&#8230;. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/our-financial-sustainability/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/our-financial-sustainability/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Cheaper Child Care, More Children</title>
<description><![CDATA[ An extended labour force is the way to counter the pernicious effect of ageing. There are two ways to increase labour supply: on the short term, immigration can be a temporary solution, but on the long term the birth rate would have to go up eventually. Given the high labour force participation of mothers, the latter should not be taken for granted. According to this IZA publication based on Swedish data, child care policies can improve fertility and, later, expand the labour force.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/cheaper-child-care-more-children/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/cheaper-child-care-more-children/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Optimizing age-dependent employment protection </title>
<description><![CDATA[ The question how we intend to keep our older workers active is an important one if we want to keep the welfare state as we know it affordable. One suggestion to do so is to introduce age-dependent employment protection. According to this IZA publication, theory of age-dependent employment protection implies of implementing age-decreasing firing taxes for the older workers. That way, job creation is maximized and job destruction minimized, the author argues. Surprisingly this is at odds with the current practise in Belgium and most OECD countries, which have implemented an age-increasing employment protection.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/optimizing-age-dependent-employment-protection/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/optimizing-age-dependent-employment-protection/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>New Years memo : Presentation</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The Itinera Institute presents it's NEW YEAR's MEMO 2009, our vision of the policy priorities for the Van Rompuy I Government.We stress the importance of the current legislation, and formulate a list of recommendations for bold, proactive policy choises.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/new-year-memo--presentation/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/new-year-memo--presentation/</guid>
<enclosure url="http://www.itinerainstitute.org/upl/1/en/doc/Microsoft%20PowerPoint%20-%20handouts%20-%20NY%20Memo%202009.pdf" length="1666338" type="application/pdf" />
</item>
<item>
<title>New Years Memo 2009</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The Itinera Institute presents it's NEW YEARS MEMO 2009, our vision of the policy priorities for the Van Rompuy I Government. We stress the importance of the current legislation, and formulate a list of recommendations for bold, proactive policy choises.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/new-years-memo-2009/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/new-years-memo-2009/</guid>
<enclosure url="http://www.itinerainstitute.org/upl/1/en/doc/Nieuwjaarsmemo%20FR.pdf" length="1997542" type="application/pdf" />
</item>
<item>
<title>Video: a better and more modern pension system</title>
<description><![CDATA[ ]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/video-a-better-and-more-modern-pension-system/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/video-a-better-and-more-modern-pension-system/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>No economic recovery plan without recovery plan for ageing !</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos stresses the need for efficiency and budget limits in the race for economic recovery plans. The government should not announce a recovery plan without clear prior budgetary goals. Every recovery plan for the economy should be tied to a subsequent recovery plan to compensate for the delay in budgetary preparation for ageing.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/no-economic-recovery-plan-without-recovery-plan-for-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/no-economic-recovery-plan-without-recovery-plan-for-ageing/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Why social partners and government fail with the centralized wage bargaining</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos points out that the new central bargaining agreement does not achieve its purpose of guaranteeing competitiveness. The government moreover encourages more than it corrects. The system of negotiated wage moderation fails.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/why-social-partners-and-government-fail-with-the-centralized-wage-bargaining/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/why-social-partners-and-government-fail-with-the-centralized-wage-bargaining/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Belgium&#8217;s recovery plan must focus on policy reform</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos explains that the European recovery plan does not turn back the clock of economic history. He underscores that Belgium has little room for a Keynesian stimulus. The priority for Belgian policy is policy reform that saves money or at least does not cost money.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/belgiums-recovery-plan-must-focus-on-policy-reform/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/belgiums-recovery-plan-must-focus-on-policy-reform/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Private pension provisions</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Demography is an enormous challenge for our pension system. Are we sure we&#8217;re going to receive an adequate and sustainable pension in the future? This report from the Social Protection Committee explores pension payment systems across some European countries and their privately funded part in particular. There is no doubt, the authors say, that private pension provisions can really help people to maintain a certain level of income and consumption once retired.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/private-pension-provisions/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/private-pension-provisions/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Taking inspiration from Finland to increase the employment rate of our seniors</title>
<description><![CDATA[ In the mid 90s, Finland was far from shining with an extensive use of its mature labour forces. However, by making active ageing one of the priorities of its employment policy, it is at present one of the European leaders regarding the participation of seniors in the labour market. Na&#239;m Cordemans and Jean Hindriks analyse the policies led by Finland and invite Belgian politics to take inspiration from it.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/taking-inspiration-from-finland-to-increase-the-employment-rate-of-our-seniors/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/taking-inspiration-from-finland-to-increase-the-employment-rate-of-our-seniors/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>How Is the Economic Turmoil Affecting Older Workers</title>
<description><![CDATA[ This paper from the Urban Institute examines the impact of the ongoing economic turmoil on retirement savings, home values, and retirement decisions. The slumping stock market, falling housing prices, and weakening economy have serious repercussions for older Americans who are approaching retirement or already retired. More and more older adults are working to bolster their retirement incomes, but the rising unemployment rate limits their prospects. In Belgium, the turmoil may also incite older workers to work later.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-is-the-economic-turmoil-affecting-older-workers/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-is-the-economic-turmoil-affecting-older-workers/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The State of the Union is lamentable</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos parodies the annual Belgian &#8220;State of the Union&#8221; and declares it to be lamentable. The federal budget is shocking.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-state-of-the-union-is-lamentable/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-state-of-the-union-is-lamentable/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to increase old workers employment rate?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ This paper investigates the influences on retirement behavior among older workers. It is found that increases in all categories of wealth (pension, housing equity and other financial wealth) raise the probability of retiring, while good earnings prospects induce continued employment. These results suggest that increasing the employment rate of older workers in Belgium can be done through making work pay more at an old age or increasing pension allocations for those who retire later.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-to-increase-old-workers-employment-rate/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-to-increase-old-workers-employment-rate/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The financial capitalism subject to scathing criticism</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Banks will have to go back to a human level, what has not been the case for a long time with the modern American banking model. It is also going to affect the wages in the banking sector. Another lesson that we have to draw is that the complete faith in very sophisticated models contains enormous risks. It also brings to light the reasons for which the &quot;nice&quot; Belgian banks are affected by the crisis.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-financial-capitalism-subject-to-scathing-criticism/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-financial-capitalism-subject-to-scathing-criticism/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ageing, demographic uncertainty and its economic impact</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Because of ageing, the ratio of retirees to workers is going to increase steadily, which is going to increase pressure on the public finances and the economy in general in the decades to come. Nevertheless, because of the uncertainty regarding future demographic developments, the exact extend of the problem is unknown. This impedes on a country&#8217;s budgetary strategy: how much less are we aloud to spend? How will economic uncertainty be affected and how will that affect investments? In this paper; the Dutch Plan bureau makes an attempt to estimate the role of uncertainty and discuss possible outcomes.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-demographic-uncertainty-and-its-economic-impact/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-demographic-uncertainty-and-its-economic-impact/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>German reforms pay off</title>
<description><![CDATA[ A recent OECD study found that only Italy and Turkey do worse than Belgium regarding the participation of elder employees on the labour market. So, if Belgium wants to control the costs of the ageing population, activating these employees will be one of the most important challenges. We can learn something from our German neighbours in this respect, as Germany has succeeded in raising the participation of elder employees with 15% in seven years (up to 52%). On top of that, German unemployment fell with 1.2 million between 2005 and 2007. The authors of this paper conclude that these excellent results stem from reforms that made the labour market more flexible &#8211; and not solely from the upswing of the economy in the recent years &#8211; and point to a number of good practices. A must read for Belgian policy makers in other words.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/german-reforms-pay-off/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/german-reforms-pay-off/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pension system reform: Belgium lags behind most other OECD countries</title>
<description><![CDATA[ In response to population ageing, pension spending effort is set to increase significantly over the coming decades in OECD countries. But, as this IZA paper recalls, pension policy is challenging and controversial, since it involves long-term decisions in the face of numerous short-term political pressures. Nevertheless, in many OECD countries, much has been done since the early 1990s to make pension systems fit for the future. Belgium appears as an exception: it has not led any major pension reform and still offers many routes for early exit from the labor market. With the baby-boomer generation reaching retirement soon and the perspective of a squeezing labour force, wouldn&#8217;t it be high time to act?]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pension-system-reform-belgium-lags-behind-most-other-oecd-countries/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pension-system-reform-belgium-lags-behind-most-other-oecd-countries/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Employment risks and opportunities for an ageing workforce</title>
<description><![CDATA[ This WZB article provides a detailed analysis of the employment situation of older workers (55-64 years) in the EU member states. Highlighting country differences, the authors draw the conclusions that this labour market challenge can be characterised to a large extent as a gender problem, that labour market policy for an ageing workforce must start much earlier than just with older people and that their employment situation can to a great extent be sought in the general economic parameters and especially in the degree of employment growth in the service sector. With a senior employment rate of 34,4%, Belgium is in the bottom league by European standards and needs to react quickly to strive towards the Stockholm targets of 50% by 2010.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/employment-risks-and-opportunities-for-an-ageing-workforce/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/employment-risks-and-opportunities-for-an-ageing-workforce/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Break the budgetary deadlock on ageing</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos argues for a policy strategy for new wealth creation and new social protection. Belgium is missing its appointment with demographic history and needs to do more than a minimalist budgetary policy.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/break-the-budgetary-deadlock-on-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/break-the-budgetary-deadlock-on-ageing/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Specific-training worse than general training for the senior employment rate</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Many studies have shown that employees with firm-specific skills are more likely to be covered by employer-sponsored pension schemes than workers with general skills. Following this, this IZA paper tests the effect of trainings on retirement, and finds that workers who participated in firm-specific training in their early careers retire earlier than workers with a general training background. This indicates that shared investments in firm-specific training are embedded in implicit contracts that induce early retirement and suggests that training participation should be encouraged at a broader level than at the firm one.   
]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/specific-training-worse-than-general-training-for-the-senior-employment-rate/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/specific-training-worse-than-general-training-for-the-senior-employment-rate/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>How to combine labour intensification and population ageing?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ In industrialised nations, there's an obvious trend towards labour intensification, by accumulation of diverse temporal constraints. At the same time, the population is ageing and the age structure of the working population is changing. This article of the &#8220;centre d&#8217;&#233;tude de l&#8217;emploi&#8221; underlines the challenge that the combination of these two tendencies represents. The authors approach the fact that the senior workers are less resistant to temporal pressure at work. They insist on the necessity of guaranteeing to seniors a suited working environment if one wants to promote longer professional careers.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-to-combine-intensification-of-the-work-and-population-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/how-to-combine-intensification-of-the-work-and-population-ageing/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Red, orange and green lights for end-of-career policies</title>
<description><![CDATA[ According to the 2001 Stockholm objectives, 50% of the 55- to 64-year olds should be working by 2010. To monitor in- and output incentives, a performance measurement system is required, a scorecard for example, pretty much as this WSE Steunpunt publication. The authors notice very little structural progress, and with a mere 31% of the 55- to 64-year olds working in Belgium, more drastic measures are becoming inevitable. A lot of work needs to be done.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/red-orange-and-green-lights-for-end-of-career-policies/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/red-orange-and-green-lights-for-end-of-career-policies/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Age and the labour market</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos sketches the impact of ageing on the labour market and shows how the lamentable position of older workers on the Belgian labour market is untenable. He argues for a new paradigm and for a mobilisation that breaks open the Generation Pact for a &#8220;New Deal&#8221; on age and the labour market.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/age-and-the-labour-market/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/age-and-the-labour-market/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Early retirement: incentives and remedies</title>
<description><![CDATA[ This C.D. How Institute publication warns for structures of defined-benefit pension plans that may create incentives for early retirement in Canada. Individuals may indeed have incentives to retire at the age when unreduced benefits are first available. Obviously, in the context of ageing, this may aggravate its effects. The author advocates as possible remedies the use of penalties, in the form of reduced pensions for early retirement, and flexibility in pension arrangements that reflect the preferences of workers and employers.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/early-retirement-incentives-and-remedies/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/early-retirement-incentives-and-remedies/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Implementing reforms and adapting behaviours can transform ageing into a real opportunity</title>
<description><![CDATA[ According to this policy brief of the European Centre, ageing can become a real opportunity to develop even faster and with a greater extent of social cohesion across generations if societies prepare it well and much in advance. It is stressed that public policies regarding pension, health, long-term care, employment, migration, integration and infrastructure development all need to be adapted to account for population ageing issues. However, according to the author, the private sector and the civil society as well as the individuals concerned will also be key actors in adapting to the new situation and in coming up with innovations that could provide solutions to this challenge. While it is high time for Belgian public authorities to implement reforms, this suggests Belgian companies and citizen should also start reviewing their attitudes.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/implementing-reforms-and-adapting-behaviours-can-transform-ageing-into-a-real-opportunity/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/implementing-reforms-and-adapting-behaviours-can-transform-ageing-into-a-real-opportunity/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Let&#8217;s rethink our pension system</title>
<description><![CDATA[ In the context of globalisation and ageing, everybody agrees that short term measures have no future. Since 1960 the average pension length has gone from 8 to more than 20 years. It is expected that in the coming 40 years there will be tree times less actives for every pensioner. Ageing is an insurmountable burden for the future generations. And meanwhile it seems like our government is definitively temporarily. There are however simple solutions, as the Swedish model has shown. Ageing is less a demographic or economic problem than it is a political one. We have to act fast to maintain the vital intergenerational solidarity and rethink our pension system to avoid the clash of&#8230; generations.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/repensons-nos-pensions/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/repensons-nos-pensions/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Demography is destiny</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc de Vos offers perspectives on the new demographic predictions for Belgium and warns that structural scarcity on the labour market can engender a real workforce crisis. He pleads for a mobilisation that includes selective immigration but warns that immigration is not a magical solution and that it implies long term consequences.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/demography-is-destiny/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/demography-is-destiny/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pension indexation VS the cost of ageing: An inevitable trade-off ?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Since large numbers of households prepare to retire, rapidly-aging economies will experience a surge in savings, which will depress world real interest rates in the next three decades. According to this IMF Working Paper, this will result in higher capital-labour ratios - since declining interest rate reduces the cost of capital &#8211; and, in fine, in increased wages &#8211; since workforce will be relatively scarcer and labour will be more capital intensive. Higher wages, in turn, will be passed on to pension benefits, exacerbating aging-related fiscal pressure. The conclusion of the author is that pension reforms, particularly those that change the indexation of pensions from wages to prices, are highly desirable since they provide substantial macro-insurance against long-run declines in world interest rates. Since higher wages will imply higher contributions, this would definitely help coping with ageing, while maintaining the retiree standard of living.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pension-indexation-vs-the-cost-of-ageing-an-inevitable-trade-off/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pension-indexation-vs-the-cost-of-ageing-an-inevitable-trade-off/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Can faster economic growth bail out retirement programs?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ According to this Paper of the Urban Institute, economic growth is highly desirable to face the challenge of an ageing population since it increases the tax revenues and makes the society suffer less from higher tax burden or slower benefits growth. However, the authors think that growth in the US cannot solve the long-run budgetary problems of ageing, since health care expenses and other entitlements are narrowly linked to economic dynamism.  They stress that, concerning the US, reforms leading to significant reductions in the growth of pension and health benefits (or increases in tax burdens) are required. In Belgium however, unless we move to ever more welfare adjustment, we still have scope for saving social protection; but if and only if we make the necessary reforms. 
]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/can-faster-economic-growth-bail-out-retirement-programs/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/can-faster-economic-growth-bail-out-retirement-programs/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Years of service do not protect low-wage workers</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Instead of raising retirement age, tying retirement benefit eligibility to years of services has often been offered as a solution to population ageing, since it would better protect lower-wage workers who start their careers relatively early and work more years prior to retirement than higher wage workers. However, according to this paper of the Urban Institute, men and woman with the least education (and thus often the lowest salary) also work the least, since early start is offset by higher disability rates and greater employment volatility. For the authors, years of service are consequently not likely to provide an effective way to protect the lowest-wage workers. This suggests the prominent need to increase the employability of low-educated workforce.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/years-of-service-do-not-protect-low-wage-workers/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/years-of-service-do-not-protect-low-wage-workers/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Is Belgium prepared for the cost of ageing?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Ageing inevitably increases the pressure on the resources of the social security system and calls for adequate policy reforms. While Belgium is no doubt in a better position do deal with aging that it was a decade ago, it is far from prepared to meet the challenges of the projected rise in the budgetary costs of aging. This paper and presentation from IMF economist Luc Everaert takes a critical look at the existing strategy to deal with the projected budgetary costs of aging. It estimates the costs of delaying reform, highlights the magnitude of the implementation gaps so far, and describes the tensions and synergies between the different components of the strategy required to deal with aging. Against this background, and based on cross-country experience, it also provides some suggestions about the course ahead.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/isbelgiumpreparedforthecostofageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/isbelgiumpreparedforthecostofageing/</guid>
<enclosure url="http://www.itinerainstitute.org/upl/1/default/doc/Nota%208_2008_EN.pdf" length="373608" type="application/pdf" />
</item>
<item>
<title>Is Belgium prepared for the cost of ageing? - Presentation</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Luc Everaert (IMF) gives a critical look at the existing strategy of Belgium to deal with aging. He warns against every delay or postponement of the reforms and provides some suggestions of new political options. 
]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/isbelgiumpreparedforthecostofageingpres/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/isbelgiumpreparedforthecostofageingpres/</guid>
<enclosure url="http://www.itinerainstitute.org/upl/1/default/doc/20080327%20-%20Ageing%20Final%20-%20Luc%20Everaert's%20slides.pdf" length="82618" type="application/pdf" />
</item>
<item>
<title>From words to action</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos welcomes the Solidarity Pact which the regional and federal employer organisations have collectively proposed. He supports the basic goal of more growth and more jobs for better solidarity. But missing are the concrete steps that employers and their organisations themselves are able and willing to take to realize this goal.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/from-words-to-action/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/from-words-to-action/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ageing: Fatality or Opportunity?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos addresses the causes and consequences of ageing. He offers a critical appraisal of the Belgian response to ageing and argues for an alternative growth strategy. Ageing offers opportunities to improve the social and economic performance of Belgium. Only when we fail to grasp these opportunities will ageing become a fatality.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-fatality-or-opportunity/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-fatality-or-opportunity/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Belgium is running behind in its budgetary response to ageing</title>
<description><![CDATA[ This year&#8217;s Belgian public finances are not doing that well &#8211; alarming even according to the Plan Bureau. Especially the costs related to ageing are insufficiently anticipated: without budgetary surpluses these costs would have to decrease by one fourth through structural reforms: activate more people, have them work longer and have the health care costs that are independent from ageing financed by future generations. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/belgium-is-running-behind-in-its-budgetary-response-to-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/belgium-is-running-behind-in-its-budgetary-response-to-ageing/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ageing blues</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium is running behind in its budgetary strategy to cope with the cost of an ageing population. Marc De Vos explains that ageing requires both a budgetary strategy and policy reform. The predictions of the cost of ageing by the official Belgian committee on ageing are based on premises that imply social and economic reforms.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageingblues/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageingblues/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Pension Reform, retirement and life-cycle unemployment</title>
<description><![CDATA[ It is now widely accepted that in the absence of reform, pension spending will grow to unprecedented levels. This paper investigates the measures that preserve labor market incentives and studies the potential economic impacts of the measures recently implemented in Austria. In the long-run, these latter will produce a significant GDP gain, they might postpone the average age of retirement by almost one year, boost labor market participation of older workers and offer significant aggregate welfare gains. There is inspiration to be taken for Belgium&#8230;    ]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pension-reform-retirement-and-life-cycle-unemployment/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/pension-reform-retirement-and-life-cycle-unemployment/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Early retirement does not create jobs for younger workers</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The assumption that early retirement provides additional job opportunities for younger workers has been at the core of the Belgian labour market policy for decades. In this IMF paper, four economists of the University of Li&#232;ge give the death blow to this &#8220;lump-of-labour&#8221; idea. On the macro level of the labour market they indicate a negligible link between elderly retirement and activity among the young and prime-age populations. The nature of youth unemployment in Belgium is rather the result of structural weaknesses in the areas of education, unemployment compensation and wage formation. A limitation of their research is the lack of attention for large regional differences and their causes.
]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/early-retirement-does-not-create-jobs-for-younger-workers/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/early-retirement-does-not-create-jobs-for-younger-workers/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>The challenge of population ageing in Ireland</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Also the European growth champion faces the challenge of an ageing population. This IMF publication recommends a small fiscal surplus to prepare for long-term spending challenges. Otherwise, Ireland risks an escalating public debt after 2035. The cost of ageing will be slightly lower in Belgium but our country still has a high public debt. As to Belgium, this publication suggests that our country has no other option that building up a fiscal surplus.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-challenge-of-population-ageing-in-ireland/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-challenge-of-population-ageing-in-ireland/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Regions immune for ageing?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The prospect of ageing is a frequently cited argument to underpin the necessity of a new state reform in Belgium. This report of the social and economic council of Flanders (SERV) shows that, in the current institutional context, ageing is a problem for the Belgian federal government, not for the Flemish government. The SERV calculations suggest that the ageing costs for the Flemish government only slightly increase towards 2050, while the budgetary pressure of the federal ageing costs becomes ponderous towards that date. The SERV believes that the federal government cannot build up the necessary reserves on its own and suggests that Flanders can give a hand to the federal government with additional budgetary means.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/regions-immune-for-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/regions-immune-for-ageing/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ageing is not a fatality</title>
<description><![CDATA[ In our country ageing is seen as a threat for our pensions and health system. According to the Institut Montaigne ageing is not a fatality. Another approach more offensive is possible. As far as this is concerned, Japan might be a good example. Following the Japanese example, Montaigne gives 8 concrete propositions in order to transform ageing into a potential source of growth. Among others, Montaigne proposes to develop a more dynamic labour market for young seniors by abolishing the age limit and all the early retirement mechanisms. According to the authors the healthcare system must also change. A possible solution is to act in favor of cheaper solutions such as home care.  
Transforming ageing into an opportunity is necessary in order to face tomorrow&#8217;s challenges.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-is-not-a-fatality/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-is-not-a-fatality/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>All the Belgians are not equal as far as pensions are concerned</title>
<description><![CDATA[ One Belgian out of five is retired but his or her condition strongly depends on status and gender. This is the result of this new study by the KULeuven and the Federal Public Service Social Security. For example, a woman who used to be self-employed receives almost 11 times less than a past civil servant. Together with ageing, the huge difference between the pension&#8217;s regimes is an additional factor arming the implementation of a pension&#8217;s system affordable, fair and sufficient for the 21st century.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/all-the-belgians-are-not-equal-as-far-as-pensions-are-concerned/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/all-the-belgians-are-not-equal-as-far-as-pensions-are-concerned/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ageing does not rime with innovation</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The effects of ageing on our economy go beyond a &#8220;simple&#8221; retirement financing problem. Innovation is also an issue. This CESifo working paper demonstrates that there is a positive link between the working age population and the number of startups. Less innovation and creativity, this is certainly not good news for the future economics growth in an ageing Belgium.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-does-not-rime-with-innovation/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-does-not-rime-with-innovation/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Can migration save ageing?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Immigration raises the population of a country. But what is its impact on ageing and its financing? Almost zero according to the Center for Immigration Studies who raised the question for the United States. Even if migrants are young, they get older and do not reverse the age pyramid. As ageing will not be compensated by increased immigration, genuine policy reforms will be needed to address its budgetary implications. The study demonstrates how raising the retirement age can be a very effective measure.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/can-migration-save-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/can-migration-save-ageing/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Belgium needs budget surpluses to finance ageing.</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Also the European growth champion faces the challenge of an aging population. This IMF publication recommends a small fiscal surplus to prepare for long-term spending challenges. Otherwise, Ireland risks an escalating public debt after 2035. The cost of aging will be slightly lower in Belgium but our country still has a high public debt. This publication suggests that Belgium has no other option that building up a fiscal surplus.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-challenge-of-population-aging-in-ireland/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-challenge-of-population-aging-in-ireland/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Belgian healthcare policy is not adapted to grey migration.</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Migration and ageing are no isolated phenomena: immigrants/foreigners are increasingly part of the collective ageing of our society, causing new integration problems. This study of the King Baudouin Foundation investigates the impact of this evolution on both the host community and people of foreign origin. In terms of social assistance, health care and social protection, host country Belgium has not always carried out the adaptations which the migrant population considers as crucial. The study warns for &#8220;copy-pasting&#8221; our own model of elderly care. Autonomy is an important value for elderly of foreign origin, whereas indigenous elderly rather consider the feeling of familial &#8220;dependence&#8221; as vital.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/grey-migration/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/grey-migration/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Europe is becoming an old lady.</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Even today Europe is already the &#8220;oldest continent&#8221; on the planet, according to the United Nations 2007 report on world population ageing. Almost a quarter of the population in Western and Southern Europe is 60 years or older. The other parts of Europe are barely younger. The worldwide top twenty of countries with the highest percentage of the population aged 60 or older is exclusively European, with the sole exception of Japan. In Belgium nearly 23% of the population today is aged 60 or over. This makes Belgium officially the eights oldest country in the world. Ageing, needless to say, is scheduled to spread ever more rapidly in the upcoming decades.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/old-europe/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/old-europe/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Oldie but Goodie. Pensions in the US</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The Center for American Progress on pensions for low income groups in the United States and the role of social security.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/oldie-but-goodie-pensions-in-the-us/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/oldie-but-goodie-pensions-in-the-us/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Early retirement: a question of supply and of demand</title>
<description><![CDATA[ More evidence of collusion in early retirement. Early retirement decisions are not only the result of rational choices by the retiring workers (supply side). In many cases, firms organize early retirement as a cost effective way to address change (demand side). The pension system then acts as a kind of unemployment insurance which reduces the dismissal costs for the firms. While both parties are served, society pays and the labour market looses often valuable human capital.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/early-retirement-a-question-of-supply-and-of-demand/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/early-retirement-a-question-of-supply-and-of-demand/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ageing but healthy</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Ageing hangs as the Sword of Damocles over the current governmental negotiations. Marc De Vos explains that the impact of ageing is also caused by the ageing of the working-age population, which is not beneficial to future innovation and productivity. On the other hand, the ageing workforce is ever healthier and better trained. We need to grasp that opportunity to capitalize on the benefits of ageing.]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-but-healthy/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-but-healthy/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Ageing Revisited</title>
<description><![CDATA[ A recent working paper by the Belgian National Bank argues for more and immediate budgetary measures in the face of ageing. Marc De Vos points out that the ageing costs&#8217; estimations by the Belgian Commission on Ageing each require a fundamental improvement of Belgium&#8217;s socio-economic performance. Belgium&#8217;s preparation for the impending ageing of its population therefore still has to start and will require structural policy reform.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-revisited/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-revisited/</guid>
</item>
<item>
<title>Jaarlijks verslag - Studiecommissie voor de Vergrijzing</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The yearly report of the Study Commission on Ageing once more adjusted the estimated cost of ageing upwardly. The growth of the second pension pillar of occupational pensions moreover turns out to be problematic. The need to accelerate the expansion of occupational pensions is therefore again accentuated.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/jaarlijks-verslag---studiecommissie-voor-de-vergrijzing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/jaarlijks-verslag---studiecommissie-voor-de-vergrijzing/</guid>
</item>
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<title>The New Agenda for an Older Workforce</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The impending retirement of the baby-boom generation requires a shift in labour market policies, in particular for human resources. Manpower claims that it is crucial for our economy and for companies to provide incentives for older workers to stay on the labour market.]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-new-agenda-for-an-older-workforce/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-new-agenda-for-an-older-workforce/</guid>
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<title>The Future of Retirement: The New Old Age &#8211; Global report</title>
<description><![CDATA[ The ageing of the world&#8217;s population over the next half-century will bring profound changes to societies. This HSBC Future of Retirement report surveys 21,000 people aged 40 to 79 in 21 countries, making it the most comprehensive study into attitudes towards later life, longevity and retirement across the globe. ]]></description>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-future-retirement-the-new-old-age-global-report/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/the-future-retirement-the-new-old-age-global-report/</guid>
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<title>Labour, Ageing and Globalisation: Towards a New Social Pact?!</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos offers thoughts and perspectives on the labour dimensions of ageing and globalisation at the launch of the New Compass foundation.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/labour-ageing-and-globalisation-towards-a-new-social-pact/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/labour-ageing-and-globalisation-towards-a-new-social-pact/</guid>
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<title>Asset Meltdown in Europe: a Probability Assessment</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Koen De Leus offers a technical assessment of the probability that the retirement of the baby boom generation will lead to asset meltdown on the European financial markets because of changes in saving patterns. The conclusion is reassuring, if Europe indeed continues to develop its relatively untapped sources for a second pension pillar.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/asset-meltdown-in-europe-a-probability-assessment/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/asset-meltdown-in-europe-a-probability-assessment/</guid>
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<title>Can Pension Reform Save Ageing?</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Marc De Vos and Koen De Leus analyze the interaction between the development of pension saving and ageing for Belgium. Second pillar retirement saving is necessary but does not solve the acute social shortcomings of the Belgian pension landscape. Moreover, it is not a magical solution for financing ageing. Accelerated retirement saving is therefore necessary, also to reduce the risk of the famous &#8220;asset meltdown&#8221; when ageing disturbs the equilibrium between savers and spenders on the financial markets. The paradoxical conclusion therefore is that more retirement saving not only helps to fund ageing but also to protect retirement capital against ageing.]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/can-pension-reform-save-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/can-pension-reform-save-ageing/</guid>
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<title>Retirement, Pensions, and Ageing</title>
<description><![CDATA[ What can be the effect of demographic shocks and changes in the pension system on the macroeconomic performance of a small open economy like Belgium? A study by CESifo concludes that pension reform must be drastic for it to have any effect on the retirement behaviour of workers.]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 01 Apr 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/retirement-pensions-and-ageing/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/retirement-pensions-and-ageing/</guid>
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<title>Ageing Is Much More Than Public Expenditure</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Belgium&#8217;s High Council for Public Finances predicts forty years of budgetary discipline in order to finance ageing. Marc De Vos argues for a proactive reform strategy to break the budgetary gridlock for the future generations.]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 17 Mar 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-is-much-more-than-public-expenditure/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/ageing-is-much-more-than-public-expenditure/</guid>
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<title>Updating the Debate on Intergenerational Fairness in Pension Reform</title>
<description><![CDATA[ Is it fair to burden the younger generations with paying the pensions for the elder generations? Kennet Howse from the Oxford Institute of Ageing examines existing claims about the fairness or unfairness of government policies that require current and future working generations to bear the full pension impact of their own lower fertility.]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Feb 2007 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
<link>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/updating-debate-intergenerational-fairness-pension-reform/</link>
<guid>http://www.itinerainstitute.org/en/library/_paper/updating-debate-intergenerational-fairness-pension-reform/</guid>
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