The member states of the European Union should act together to create sustainable pensions systems, Miklós Réthely, said, in an interview to eu2011.hu. The Minister for National Resources talked about the challenges posed by ageing European society; and the special social policy priorities of the presidency, before the meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs Council, on 7 March.

The Council gives priority to the renewal of the European Pact for Gender Equality, which was accepted in 2006, and the report of the European Commission on gender equality. What are the new elements that the presidency adds to the dialogue?

The renewal of the European Pact for Gender Equality is a commitment of political significance, on behalf of the member states. The Council will decide the efforts required in the upcoming period of ten years to close any unjustified gap between genders in employment, in wages and in education. It is also important to attenuate gender stereotypes that still often constitute barriers. Carrying on the work of its Spanish predecessor, the Hungarian presidency called attention to a regrettable phenomenon of everyday life in Europe: violence against women. That explains why the renewed pact puts great emphasis on strengthening the protection of women, particularly disadvantaged groups. It is not surprising, perhaps, that we highlight the role and responsibility of men and boys for eliminating violence against women and girls.

What reception do you expect from the member states?

I am convinced that the member states will take the renewal of the pact very seriously, which comes as a confirmation of their earlier commitment. Preparation work has received broad support, and I expect a unanimous acceptance, at the Council meeting. Through the pact, the member states accept a current and realistic covenant, which they can take on credibly. It is very important to the member states that our renewal of the pact, will create a link and harmony between efforts aimed at gender equality, the Europe 2020 strategy; and the strategy of the Commission on gender equality (2010-2015).

Could you inform us about the Commission report on gender equality?

While the pact expresses political will, the Commission document you mention, reflects the realities of Europe. Its key conclusion is the gender gap, which has closed somewhat, despite the progress made in recent years. The report includes a separate analysis of the situation of Roma women also. The Hungarian presidency will address this subject in great detail, at the next Council meeting.

The Council will also review a fairly current and delicate issue: upgrading European pension systems. What is the expected outcome of this exchange of opinion?

I expect lively debate, and expression of interest. The issue of pension systems has been on the European agenda since the Commission published its green paper entitled “Towards adequate, sustainable and safe European pension systems,” i.e. this is the document that started the debate. Every party, including decision-makers, has its own special considerations, concerning the pension issue; and sometimes it is not so easy to coordinate these. Several issues may come up from solidarity and equal opportunity, through the handling of various risks, from demographic problems through to national characteristics. The special attention stems from the fact that pension systems currently face several challenges that justify, and may make orchestrated action useful. First of all, the issue of ageing is one of these. In the upcoming decades the ageing of Europe, will take one increasingly significant dimensions. The other challenge is the impact of the global financial and economic crisis, which increased the exposure of pension systems, weakening the guarantee for secure pensions. The crisis affected both “pay-as-you-go” and funded pension systems, although each in a different manner. In the former case, the role of demographic factors, in the latter the role of money market risks, which is more relevant.

What latitude does the presidency have with the competence over the design and operation of pension systems resting with the member states?

We are working to find the relevant common points, in and common responses to shared challenges. I believe we have a good chance. To succeed, we need to clarify the competencies of the member states the Union, and naturally, we must improve the level of knowledge, the financial skills; and pension awareness of EU citizens. The Council debate seeks to ensure that (aware of the outcome of the consultation on pensions), the ministers of the member states obtain “first-hand” information, of each other's opinions on this question. The green paper showed there are no final answers; and no pension reform is completed once and for all. The message is, to lay a good foundation for a healthy and stable pension system. It requires an appropriate handling of certain external issues, to the pension system, as this will add value to the debate on pensions. The latter includes some very important items, such as employment of an adequate level, adequate wage levels, a flexible labour market, continued working, lifelong learning and I could go on giving examples. In the opinion of the presidency, the Europe 2020 strategy assigns adequate importance to these issues as well.

(eu2011.hu)