Mind the Gap: Social protection today for a dignified old-age tomorrow

Mind the Gap: Social protection today for a dignified old-age tomorrow  

4 March 2026 (15:00-16:30)

Description

How gaps in social protection during working life contribute to poverty in old age? What policies work best? The session will examine the main drivers of old-age poverty in the EU, showcase recent evidence and policy examples, and discuss ways forward to integrate a life-course perspective to old-age poverty in the policy discourse, with a view to the forthcoming EU Anti-Poverty Strategy. 

Old-age poverty is often rooted in gaps in access to social protection during working life. People in non-standard forms of work and low-paid jobs, the self-employed with low or irregular income, and those who interrupt their careers for care responsibilities, most often women, are at high risk of inadequate pensions. Member States are taking steps to close these gaps. Yet,  challenges persist, reflecting different labour market structures, models of childcare and long-term care provision, and social protection design. Tackling these gaps is essential to ensure income security in later life, also in view of demographic ageing. 

Moderator

Katarina Ivankovic-Knezevic, Director for Social Rights and Inclusion, DG EMPL

Speakers

Agnieszka Chłoń-Domińczak, Vice Rector for Research, SGH Warsaw School of Economics 

Shannon Pfohman, Executive Director, EUROCARERS

Philippe Seidel Leroy, Policy Manager on Social Protection, AGE Platform Europe

Borja Suárez, Secretary of State for Social Security and Pensions, Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations

Colum Walsh, Head of Pensions Policy, Department of Social Protection