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Harmonisation of Old-age Security Within the European Union

Author

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  • Silke Uebelmesser

Abstract

Not sufficiently harmonised national pension systems within the European Union distort the allocation of labour and endanger redistributive activities. This paper identifies the most decentralised level of harmonisation which guarantees efficient allocation and enables redistribution. For this, we build on theoretical results from the literature to evaluate the realised distribution of the legal power between the European Union and the Member States and the resulting level of harmonisation. We find that harmonisation is sub-optimally low. Binding rules guaranteed by the European Union are needed implying that the Member States have to concede more fundamental responsibilities to the European Union. (JEL F22, H55, K33, N34)

Suggested Citation

  • Silke Uebelmesser, 2004. "Harmonisation of Old-age Security Within the European Union," CESifo Economic Studies, CESifo Group, vol. 50(4), pages 717-743.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:cesifo:v:50:y:2004:i:4:p:717-743.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/cesifo/50.4.717
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    Cited by:

    1. Tim Krieger, 2014. "Public Pensions and Immigration," ifo DICE Report, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 12(2), pages 10-15, 07.
    2. Tim Krieger, 2014. "Public Pensions and Immigration," ifo DICE Report, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 12(02), pages 10-15, July.
    3. repec:ces:ifodic:v:12:y:2014:i:2:p:19116205 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Bas van Groezen & H. Kiiver & B. Unger, 2006. "Coordination of Pension Provision in a Divided Europe: The Role of Citizens' Preferences," Working Papers 06-08, Utrecht School of Economics.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • K33 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - International Law
    • N34 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: 1913-

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