Despite relatively high social protection coverage in Europe and Central Asia, significant gaps in adequacy and inclusiveness remain, according to a new International Labour Organization (ILO) report. While 85.2 per cent of the population benefit from at least one social protection measure, 14.8 per cent remain entirely unprotected. Strengthening social protection systems is increasingly critical to address immediate pressures, such as the cost-of-living crisis, and to build long-term resilience against the intensifying impacts of climate change.
The report, Europe and Central Asia Regional Companion to the World Social Protection Report 2024-26, emphasizes the urgent need to extend coverage, establish robust social protection floors, and ensure adequate benefits. It highlights the close connection between social protection and climate action, noting that more frequent and severe floods, droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires threaten jobs, incomes, and livelihoods. Countries with established social protection programs can quickly repurpose support, but the growing scale of climate shocks requires continuous adaptation. Demographic changes, such as population aging, further underscore the importance of sustainable pensions, healthcare, and long-term care.
Adapting social protection systems to climate risks, demographic shifts, and evolving labour markets is crucial. Strengthening institutions and fostering social dialogue are essential to ensure that social protection delivers adequate, resilient support across the region. The report outlines a vision for integrating social protection into climate risk assessments, national and regional climate strategies, and disaster response mechanisms, promoting sustainable livelihoods and enabling a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
Several countries are already providing examples of adaptation. Spain leveraged its social protection mechanisms during the 2024 DANA floods to support tens of thousands of workers quickly. Uzbekistan used benefits to cushion low-income households from energy price reforms, while France and the Netherlands are adjusting unemployment schemes to respond to climate-related risks such as extreme heat. Moldova is integrating social protection into national climate commitments.
The report calls for regular indexation of benefits, the ability to expand programs rapidly during crises, and climate-responsive provisions across all employment types, including agriculture and digital platform work. It also emphasizes the need for adequate public expenditure, strengthened tax systems, and innovative financing solutions to expand fiscal space. Investment in the administration and management of schemes is highlighted as essential for quality service delivery and fostering regional knowledge exchange and South–South collaboration.
Guided by the principle of leaving no one behind, the report stresses that solid social protection policies are vital for ensuring fair, resilient, and just transitions in Europe and Central Asia. It concludes with a call for policymakers, social partners, stakeholders, and communities to unite in forging a more equitable and sustainable future for the region.
