High-Level Forum on Ageing and Employment Policies, Brussels, 17-18 October 2005
Chairs conclusions, Bruno Tobback, Belgian Minister for Pensions

Faced with population ageing, longer working lives must be encouraged. This was the key issue addressed by OECD Employment Ministers at a meeting in Brussels held the 17-18 October. If nothing is done, the number of retirees will increase significantly over the coming decades while the number of persons in employment will stagnate.

In European countries, it is expected that, by 2050, for every person in retirement there will be only one person in employment. This will put pensions at risk and increase tax pressures on the working population. Moreover, the prosperity of OECD countries will be put at risk. While all countries are faced with similar challenges, the solutions must take account of national circumstances.