Social security is a prerequisite for a strong single market.

DB – 10/2024

The increasing mobility of citizens within the European Union (EU) and the further development of the European single market make intensive cooperation between national social security systems increasingly more important. This was the message sent by the 3rd ESIP (European Social Insurance Platform) Annual Forum that was held on October 15 at Scotland House in Brussels. This Annual Forum is ESIP's most important public event. This year's motto was "A strong welfare state for a socially robust single market: The role of social security".


The day was characterised by intensive discussions about how the European single market can be structured so that it works equally for all citizens. Social security experts, members of the European Parliament, the European Commission and academics all participated in three panels and a concluding round table.

Promoting employee mobility

The first panel "Supporting mobility of workers across the EU and fighting workforce shortages: Where social protection and labour policies meet" focused on the shortage of skilled workers and demographic changes. Various solutions were discussed, including continuous training to ensure that employees' skills keep pace with the changing demands of the labour market. Consistent use of the "European Talent Pool" was also highlighted as was simplifying the recognition of foreign training certificates in order to accelerate access to the labour market.

Closing the gaps in social protection

The central topic of the second panel "A single market that works for all: How do we bridge the gaps in social protection?" covered the need for increased social investment in Europe. A comprehensive approach to lifelong learning was highlighted here, starting with early childhood education through school and vocational training on to active labour market policies that could secure employment and promote reintegration. Prevention and rehabilitation come to the fore in old age in order to enable active ageing and social participation. These measures aim to combat poverty, promote inclusion and reduce income inequality.

Ensuring access to affordable medicines

The third panel "A single market for pharmaceuticals: How do we ensure access to affordable and effective medicines?" focussed on accessing affordable and innovative medicines. The need to provide capital for long-term, high-risk investments into research and the development of pharmaceuticals was stressed here. The importance of the high costs of orphan drugs (medicines for rare diseases) and the global supply chain problems that make accessing medicines difficult were also pointed out. The need to drive forward biotechnological innovations without losing sight of affordable access to healthcare for all citizens was stressed simultaneously.


The discussion showed that spending on medicines has increased in many countries in recent years and this has been driven by high prices and expensive therapeutic treatments, especially for new products.


This was supported by the recently published "Rising Pharmaceutical Expenditure - A Call for Sustainable Solutions" Study, which was compiled by ESIP in collaboration with MEDEV (Medicine Evaluation Committee) and presented at the event.

Welfare state vs competitiveness

The event concluded with a round table held under the headline "The welfare states & Europe’s competitiveness: Friends or foes?". The discussion between MEPs Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA), Vlad Voiculescu (Renew), Vytenis Andriukaitis (S&D) and András Kula (EPP) centred on the question of how to reconcile the European welfare state with Europe's competitiveness. The participants regretted that there is still no single market, especially in the healthcare sector, which makes it more difficult to develop joint competencies. This lack of coordination leads to asymmetries with regard to economic power, information and knowledge between the member states. This impairs the single market with regard to efficiency and fairness.