Labor Markets and Social Security: Wage Costs, Social Security Financing and Labor Market Reforms in Europe

Facing the globalization of economic relations and the challenge of NICs and eastern Europe, employment in most EU countries stagnated. The focus here lies on labor market rules, unemployment dynamics, structural change and aspects of the social security system. Theoretical and empirical aspects as well as policy issues are discussed.Issues related to European Monetary, Union are discussed which could compound labor market problems. Options for reforming labor markets and the social security systems are analyzed.