Analytical support and exchange of information in social protection and inclusion
The European Commission supports evidence-based policymaking in social protection and social inclusion through analytical work, comparative information systems and structured exchanges among European countries. This activity contributes to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, by helping policymakers assess national systems, compare reforms and identify common challenges.
A central role is played by the European Social Policy Analysis Network — ESPAN, which provides analytical support to the Commission on social protection and social inclusion policies across the EU Member States, potential candidate countries, Iceland and Norway. ESPAN covers areas such as pensions, long-term care, access to social protection, inequality, active inclusion, child poverty, child well-being, access to essential services and homelessness. Its work is made available through dedicated Country Reports and Synthesis Reports, which provide both national-level analysis and comparative EU-wide perspectives.
EU created the MISSOC — Mutual Information Systems on Social Protection, a network of national delegates appointed by participating countries. MISSOC supports the systematic exchange of information on social protection systems in Europe. It offers professional users access to comparative legislative tables and provides citizens with practical social security guides explaining social security rights in different countries.
Overall, the Commission uses these tools to strengthen policy learning, transparency and comparability in the field of social protection and inclusion. The page also points readers to recent analytical updates, including a comparative overview of long-term care settings for older people in Europe, a new MISSOC database update, and research on the links between homelessness strategies and anti-poverty policies.
A central role is played by the European Social Policy Analysis Network — ESPAN, which provides analytical support to the Commission on social protection and social inclusion policies across the EU Member States, potential candidate countries, Iceland and Norway. ESPAN covers areas such as pensions, long-term care, access to social protection, inequality, active inclusion, child poverty, child well-being, access to essential services and homelessness. Its work is made available through dedicated Country Reports and Synthesis Reports, which provide both national-level analysis and comparative EU-wide perspectives.
EU created the MISSOC — Mutual Information Systems on Social Protection, a network of national delegates appointed by participating countries. MISSOC supports the systematic exchange of information on social protection systems in Europe. It offers professional users access to comparative legislative tables and provides citizens with practical social security guides explaining social security rights in different countries.
Overall, the Commission uses these tools to strengthen policy learning, transparency and comparability in the field of social protection and inclusion. The page also points readers to recent analytical updates, including a comparative overview of long-term care settings for older people in Europe, a new MISSOC database update, and research on the links between homelessness strategies and anti-poverty policies.
