A new chapter for ESIP

The European Social Insurance Platform (ESIP), representing statutory social security institutions from 17 Member States and Switzerland, is delighted to announce that Mr Yannis Natsis has been appointed as Director of ESIP starting from 8 February 2022. He will take over this position from Dr Christine Dawson who is retiring after 20 years of successful work and advocacy on behalf of ESIP in Brussels. 

Updated ESIP study on the social security coverage of platform workers

The European Social Insurance Platform publishes today an updated study on the social security coverage of platform workers, conducted within ESIP, representing social security institutions from 17 Member States and Switzerland. In this study, an emphasis is put on the coverage of the self-employed as many platform workers fall under this category – and typically solo-self-employed (i.e. self-employed that do not have any staff of their own). A further focus was chosen on coverage in terms of sickness and unemployment benefits.

“As EU decision-makers will discuss legislation on platform work, ESIP members are providing their expertise by analysing in detail how platform workers are insured in terms of sickness and unemployment benefits across the EU.” said Ilka Wölfle, ESIP President. 

25th anniversary of ESIP

In 2021, ESIP is celebrating 25 years of its existence, 25 years that have been dedicated to promoting the role of social protection systems in the EU. 

A set of EU digital principles: social security & health insurers’ views

As a follow-up to the Digital Compass Communication of 9 March, the Commission launched a public consultation on the formulation of a set of EU digital principles. These principles would be integrated in a joint declaration of the main EU institutions. ESIP and its Members are committed to and involved in the digitalisation of social security and healthcare systems, with a view to increasing their sustainability and accessibility within and across borders.

ESIP responds to the Public Consultation on the Green Paper on Ageing

Social protection schemes in the EU are under strain as ageing increases demand for medical and long-term care (LTC) and old-age spending. In this context, ESIP provides its recommendations touching upon all branches of social security on how to tackle demographic change while fostering active and healthy ageing. 

ESIP feedback to the Green Paper on Ageing

ESIP shares the Commission’s opinion highlighted in its roadmap on the Green Paper on Ageing that the demographic change Europe faces requires a high-level policy debate on its long-term impact on social protection systems, especially care and pensions systems. To better evaluate the impact of ageing, the availability and comparability of data in the EU should be enhanced. In addition, the EU’s actions through the Green Paper on Ageing and possible follow-up initiatives should foster synergies with other EU strategies and policies and provide financing opportunities. 

ESIP puts forward its proposals for the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights

ESIP supported the goal of achieving renewed convergence towards a high level of social protection in its response to the public consultation on the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). The reply is focused on the principles 9 to 18 of the EPSR, relevant to social security.

State of the European Union speech 2020

On 16 September, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave her first State of the Union speech at an undeniably crucial moment for the EU. Starting her speech with a recognition of the dedication of healthcare staff and essential workers during the COVID crisis, she then highlighted the EU level cooperation in the field of health.

Safeguarding public health & social protection in times of pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented challenge for the health and social security systems in the European Union. Social security systems play a key role in providing healthcare, sickness benefits, unemployment benefits and much more to insured persons, during this pandemic and beyond. By implementing several measures such as simplifying procedures to access benefits and providing additional benefits to those most affected, ESIP members have shown their flexibility and ability to cope with the current situation.

ESIP's take on the recently published White Paper on Artificial Intelligence - A European approach to excellence and trust

ESIP welcomes the discussion on an ethical European approach on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) launched with today’s publication of the White Paper.