Suchergebnisse

In this article the economic and social impacts of the coordination of pensions and pension policy in the EU are analysed. Three different aspects are discussed: the coordination of the individual social security rights of migrant workers; the coordination of national social protection systems; and the coordination of economic and employment policies as far as they affect social security. With respect to the coordination of the individual social security rights of migrant workers, it is argued that this is a prerequisite for the free movement of workers in the EU. The article discusses the impacts of this coordination, such as impacts on pension payments arising from EC Regulation 883/2004 (formerly EC Regulation 1408/71), and the provision of international counselling events. It is noted that the Regulation covers not only old age pensions but also pensions in cases of reduced earning capacity and benefits for rehabilitation. The second area of coordination is implemented through the Open Method of Coordination (OMC). It is argued that, on the one hand, the OMC provides support to national governments to deal with the challenges of social security systems. On the other hand, the OMC also directly influences national social security policies, even though they are actually the responsibility of national authorities. Implications for national pension policy can also be found in the third area of coordination. Both Broad Economic Policy Guidelines and Employment Guidelines are used, which set targets which are relevant for pension policy, such as placing limits on public expenditure and the prolongation of working life. Finally it is argued that in the growing field of second- and third- pillar pension systems there is a need for further coordination.

In developing its tourist industry, the Mexican government had three main goals: earning foreign exchange, creating employment, and diverting internal migration toward tourism development poles. Statistics on employment and in-migration to Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, and Los Cabos show that it has been relatively successful in achieving these goals. However, Mexico has increased its dependency on loans, foreign capital, and foreign patronage and has imposed costs on the working class employed in low-waged and precarious tourist jobs, including de facto social and economic apartheid.

This paper identifies the effects of natural disasters on economic development and living conditions in the Latin American and Caribbean region. On the basis of quantitative analyses to assess the damage caused by the main natural disasters which have occurred in the region during the past 16 years, the author justifies the undertaking of preventive, planning and preparedness measures to reduce the impact of disasters