The need for pension reform in Russia

The contemporary global debate about pension reforms is based mainly on the concern for the long-term financial viability of existing government operated pension systems. Against this background, Nigeria, Sweden and Chile responded to the challenges posed by their pension systems by initiating reforms. While Chile and Nigeria completely moved from a defined benefit system to a defined contribution system, Sweden chose a “hybrid”, a model which has received wide acclaim by social security experts. Given the interest pension systems and reforms have generated globally as well as in Nigeria, a cross-country comparative analysis is imperative to bring into sharp focus the specific differences and similarities in these three pension reforms if any. Thus, this study comparatively evaluates the Nigerian, Swedish and Chilean pension reforms as a means of enriching ongoing global debate and crosscountry comparisons on pension reform experiences. Guided by a three dimensional classification framework which describes the options available in reforming a pension system, three core benchmarks were used for this comparative analysis. These are the objective(s) of reform, the model of reform adopted, and the likely outcomes of reform vis-a-vis meeting the redistribution, saving and insurance functions of a pension scheme. Results indicate that the Chilean and Nigerian models are less likely to achieve the redistribution and insurance functions of a pension scheme while the Swedish model is better placed to achieve all the three key functions of a pension system. It is recommended that opportunities for achieving the redistribution and social insurance functions of a pension scheme should be explored in subsequent amendments to the pension legislation. Keywords : Demographic crisis, Pension reform, Public policy

The aim of this article is to define the Japanese, South Korean and Lithuanian latest pension system reforms and measures during economic crisis. Problems of the Japanese, S. Korean and Lithuanian pension systems are similar to the others industrial Asian or European Union countries: ageing, impact of economic crisis and pension system budget deficit. Moreover, the Japanese, S. Korean and Lithuanian population ageing rapidly (low birth rate, longer life expectancy) and it influences the entire society and requires more complex and pressing pension systems reforms. All countries of the world fighting against the ageing and searching for the pension system financial sustainability. After the universal pension system reform in 1985, the task of Japanese government is to ensure for each participant an adequate and regular pension income, to implement the social justice and solidarity. Pension system reforms in S. Korea began intensively only since 1997 and this was associated with a global currency crisis. Since the end of the last century until 2009, S. Korean government has developed a modern social security and social assistance systems. The government is constantly increasing social security coverage and benefits (from 1999 to 2009, social benefits increased almost four times). However, the social security coverage is still insufficient, income disparities increasing and the financial disbalances require to reform the pension system for a long-term perspective. The pension system reform of 2003 and 2011 raised the wide discussion on the state social pension insurance system future development of Lithuania. This reform clearly demonstrates that the government in 2003 opted for a liberal position and in 2011 – it was decided to strengthen state social insurance guarantees. KEY WORDS: pension system, reform, crisis, ageing, Japan, S. Korea, Lithuania.

Pension policy in India has been characterized by the dominance of the organized sector based on financing through employer and employee participation. As a result the coverage has been limited to the organized sector and the employees in the unorganized sector needs to be brought into purview of the formal channels of old age financial support. Further, the existing mandatory and voluntary private pension system needs uniform regulatory framework for transparency and improved service. There is an imperative need to manage the pension funds through fund managers as is the practice in some of the developed countries to derive the positive spin-offs in terms of investment options and making available the resources for improving growth. In view of the experience with the current pension system in India, efforts have been made by the Government in the recent years towards the direction of reforms in pension policy with the introduction of a new pension system in 2004. The present paper focuses on the recent initiatives and reforms in the pension system in India in the light of international experience as also the compulsions due to demographic factors and attendant implications for finances of the Government both Central and State Governments. The policy initiatives include setting up of the Interim Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (October 2003), introduction of a New Pension System and introduction of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill in Parliament in March 2005. Against this backdrop the paper also highlights some of the policy challenges and imperatives to be addressed in the medium term.

Abstract. In this article, the authors confi rm the need for further reform of pensions in Ukraine. The relevance of the chosen topic is that the pension system needs to be reformed, as it cannot create decent living conditions for pensioners. Despite some important changes in the further development of the pension system, its reform has not yet been completed, as the budget of the Pension Fund of Ukraine is still signifi cantly dependent on budget subsidies (35% in 2021), and most pension payments do not prevent poverty of recipients (in 2021 the average pension was 3991 UAH and the minimum wage - 6500 UAH), a signifi cant share of income is in the shadows (from 30% to 50%), which generally indicates the lack of social justice in the functioning of this system. The purpose of this article is to assess the system of compulsory state pension insurance in Ukraine and prove its inability to ensure adequate payments to pensioners, based on conclusions and recommendations to demonstrate ways to improve the national pension system, in particular through the introduction of a funded component. The authors use the following research methods: analysis (in the study of pension systems), synthesis (in generalizing research results on pension system reform), scientifi c abstraction, method of induction, deduction, generalization and comparison, systematization, methods of statistical analysis and graphical presentation of research results, methods of economic and mathematical modeling. The paper uses economic and institutional analysis, as the studied sources are primarily analytical documents, scientifi c publications and regulations. Key words: pension, pension reform, pension system, accumulative pension system.

Natia Kakhniashvili E-mail: Natia.kakhniashvili@tsu.ge Doctor of Business Administration Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Tbilisi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0759-198X Khatuna Barbakadze E-mail: Khatuna.barbakadze@tsu.ge Candidate of Economic Sciences Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Tbilisi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1670-8463 Nato Kakashvili E-mail: Nato.kakashvili@tsu.ge Candidate of Economic Sciences Iv. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University Tbilisi, Georgia https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1399-1784 Abstract. Pension policy is a critical component of a state's social policy. Current global trends, particularly those associated with population aging, have heightened the need for effective pension system reforms. The stability and efficiency of pension systems are vital elements of a society's social welfare infrastructure, ensuring financial support for retirees and promoting their well-being in old age. However, pension systems face significant challenges due to demographic shifts, economic fluctuations, and evolving societal expectations. Traditional pension systems often struggle to fully meet the needs of retirees, and many existing schemes experience substantial volatility, jeopardizing their long-term sustainability. As a result, the need for pension system reform has become increasingly urgent. To address these challenges, states must implement more comprehensive reforms aimed at effectively modernizing their pension systems. Pension reform refers to the process by which a government or employer makes substantial changes to the structure, policies, and regulations governing pension benefits. Successful reforms typically require thorough analysis, consultation with stakeholders, and legislative action to ensure effective implementation. The pension system of Georgia has undergone several important stages of reform in recent decades. After gaining independence, the country implemented socio-economic transformations, which were accompanied by demographic aging and shifts in labor market dynamics. These changes underscored the need for reforms in the pension system. The pension system faces several significant challenges. Foremost among these is the demographic trend of an aging population coupled with a declining birth rate, which poses a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of the system. Additionally, the expanding informal labor market and high unemployment levels further complicate the situation, creating obstacles that could undermine the stability of pension benefits for future retirees. Addressing these fiscal challenges requires the implementation of innovative policies that ensure adequate retirement income for citizens while maintaining the system's viability. The reform of the pension system requires the joint participation of the government and society. The government should strengthen supervision and management, create an effective management and supervision mechanism of the pension system. Pension system reform is complex. Different countries have different levels of economic development, demographic structure, social security system, etc. Key words: pension system, reform, efficiency, risks, modernization. JEL classification: H 55, J1

1. Introduction and Overview Katja Hujo PART I: POLITICAL ECONOMY ISSUES IN PENSION REFORM 2. Pension Privatization and Economic Development in Central-Eastern European Pension Reform Katharina Muller 3. Pension Schemes and Pension Reforms in the Middle East and North Africa Markus Loewe 4. The Reform of the Civil Service Pension Programme in Korea: Changes and Continuity Huck-ju Kwon PART II: PENSION SYSTEM AND REFORM IN THE BRICS 5. Recent History, Perspectives and Challenges to Pension Policy: The Brazilian Case Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano 6. Social Security Reform and Economic Development: The Case of India Mukul G. Asher and Azad Singh Bali 7. Towards Universal Coverage: A Macro Analysis of China's Public Pension Reform Lianquan Fang 8. The Private Affairs of Public Sector Pensions in South Africa: Debt, Development and Corporatization Fred Hendricks PART III: BRINGING THE STATE BACK IN 9. Pension Reform in Bolivia: Two Models of Income Security in Old Age Peter Lloyd-Sherlock and Kepa Artaraz 10. Pension Reform in Chile and Argentina: Towards More Inclusive Protection Katja Hujo and Mariana Rulli 11. Conclusions Katja Hujo

This paper mainly studies the financial sustainability of China's pension system. Focusing on the current pension system, this paper adopts the actuarial model and the strategy of layer-by-layer analysis to establish the macro model of urban and rural residents' pension income and expenses. Thereby, the pension gap is forecasted. At the same time, based on the confidence interval theory, the range of replacement rate and contribution rate is controlled to safeguard the sustain ability of China's pension system. The reliability is 95%. Therefore, the results show that by adjusting the replacement rate and contribution rate can roughly ensure the sustainable development of China's pension system. Improving the pension's overall level and system is also recommended.

1. Introduction: Why Does Asia Need Well-Functioning Pension Systems?, Donghyun Park and Gemma Estrada 2. People's Republic of China: Pension System Overview and Reform Directions, Stuart H. Leckie 3. Indonesia: Pension System Overview and Reform Directions, Yves Guerard 4. Republic of Korea: Pension System Overview and Reform Direction, Seong Sook Kim 5. Malaysia: Pension System Overview and Reform Directions, Mukul G. Asher 6. Philippines: Pension System Overview and Reform Directions, Ernesto Reyes 7. Singapore: Pension System Overview and Reform Directions, Mukul G. Asher and Amarendu Nandy 8. Thailand: Pension System Overview and Reform Directions, Orin D. Brustad 9. Viet Nam: Pension System Overview and Reform Directions, Giang Thanh Long 10. Policy Options for Reforming Developing Asia's Pension Systems, Donghyun Park

This article aims to study the Kosovo economic transition process and its impact on the Pension system reform. The study will focus on; model of new economic building system (market liberalization, economic recovery, the concept of entrepreneurship development, system integration of economic trends in the global economy, privatization and transformation of property, social welfare, social justice), etc. During this study different theories on the transition process in the economy will be used, as well as theories on reforming the pension system in the world, which affirm the sustainability of the construction of the new economic and pension system. Methods used will serve to draw relevant conclusions as follow; heuristic, descriptive, historical, comparative, statistical. The hypothesis of this study is, "Impact of the economic reform system in Kosovo and its results in the construction of the new sustainable pension system model." Through this study conceptual changes to the economic system will be put forward, dealing with socialist and liberal philosophy, as different concepts of economic development, the role of the state or the market as a regulator of the economic system. In particular, attention is paid to the new pension system in Kosovo; the causes for reform of the pension system, reforming the pension system, the basic goals of the reform of the pension system, the types of pensions systems in the world, the conceptual basis of the construction of the pension system in Kosovo, the principles of the reform of the pension system, the regulatory framework of the new pension system in Kosovo, advantages and challenges of multi pillar pension system model, the model used for Kosovo's pension system, pension schemes in Kosovo, the efficiency of the new pension system in Kosovo, comparing the new pension system in Kosovo with pension systems of other countries in the region.

This study aims to analyze the opinions of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) citizens regarding mandatory pension insurance and the possibility of incorporating private insurance in future reforms. The research involves evaluating the satisfaction of BiH residents with the current pension system, understanding their perception of the pension fund’s risks, and identifying their attitudes towards possible pension system reforms, including the potential involvement of private insurance. The study also seeks to highlight any differences in attitudes towards socio-demographic characteristics, such as gender, employment, length of service, professional qualification, and monthly income. A survey of 812 BiH adults (representative but potentially not fully capturing the entire population) explored these aspects. While acknowledging limitations, the study reveals significant differences in attitudes based on demographics. For example, men are more optimistic about future pensions, while employed individuals are more inclined towards reform. The findings suggest general public support for pension system reform and openness to private insurance. However, the study highlights the need to consider these varying attitudes across different population groups when designing future reforms. This research provides the first quantitative data on BiH residents’ views on private insurance reform, contributing to public discourse and informing future policy changes.

The existence of ageing processes in the developed economies has led mainstream economics to defend a radical reform of pensions — from the current pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) systems to funded pension systems. The argument is that the latter, in addition to being sheltered from the ageing problem, generate better macroeconomic performance. In our opinion, this view is completely flawed, because it is based on a set of assumptions that are not reflected in the real world. Moreover, it is also based on the consideration that the main objective of a pension system is to generate a market-clearing equilibrium outcome. On the contrary, we argue that this should not be the objective of a pension system; rather, it should be focused on providing individuals with sufficient income to maintain a socially acceptable level of consumption. Starting from this objective, and accepting the existence of uncertainty problems, we argue that current PAYGO pension systems are more efficient than unfunded systems. Moreover, by reducing uncertainty about the future, the PAYGO systems help to stabilise the working of the economy. Therefore, in our opinion, any reform of the current PAYGO pension systems intended to face the challenges of ageing must necessarily maintain the essential nature of these systems.

Purpose: The article discusses financial aspects of the functioning of pension systems in selected countries of the European Union. Changing demographic conditions (aging populations) pose a serious challenge to the financial stability of pension systems in Europe. This article discusses the differences between the pension systems of two selected European countries - Poland and Germany - in terms of pension expenditure, the efficiency of these systems and changes in financing between 2021 and 2024. The aim of this article is to analyze the issue of financing in two representative countries: Poland and Germany, to identify differences in the pension systems in these countries, and to highlight the main challenges they face. The hypothesis is that the pension system in the European countries studied is not a sustainable pension system, assuming that the amount of pension contributions collected is sufficient to pay current pension benefits. Design/methodology/approach: The objective of the article was achieved by verifying secondary sources and conducting a comparative analysis in formal and financial terms. The article draws on literature on social security and social insurance, both in the field of economics and law. The legal sources, materials, and statistical sources were used to present the issues. In addition, materials available on the Internet, including those published by Eurostat, MISSOC, and the OECD, were used in the study. Findings: The data presented in the article concerning two representative countries of the European Union and the financial efficiency indicators of the Polish and German pension systems presented in the article confirm the hypothesis put forward in the article. Contemporary pension systems in highly developed countries are struggling with many problems, mainly resulting from demographic processes. Aging societies and declining birth rates are contributing to changes in the population structure. As a result, there is an increasing need to reform pension systems to adapt them to the current demographic situation. Every pension system reform is a long-term and multifaceted process, and there is no single universal solution that would fully resolve all problems. It is important to take into account the unique demographic, social, and economic conditions of a given country and to rely on broad social consensus. Despite the differences in institutional solutions in individual countries, both the reforms that have been implemented and those merely proposed by the European Union show a common direction of change. This consists of striving to ensure the financial stability of pension systems. More profound changes in the pension systems of European Union member states are inevitable - the pension systems need to be strengthened through broader fiscal reforms, social activation, and increased trust in the system. Research limitations/implications: The topic discussed in the article is very important in the contemporary context due to the financial deficit of social insurance. During the research, certain limitations were observed in access to information, both domestic and international, which could facilitate a more in-depth analysis of the presented issue. Practical implications: The practical consequence of balancing the pension system in Poland - as well as in other EU countries - would be the elimination of the enormous subsidies from the state budget to institutions paying out benefits. Social implications: A country that would not have to subsidize the institutions paying pension benefits could allocate those funds to other important social goals, such as education, public infrastructure, the healthcare system, and so on. Originality/value: By analyzing financing issues in two representative countries, Poland and Germany, identifying differences in their pension systems, and highlighting the main challenges they face, it is possible to better understand the different approaches to pension provision in Europe and their economic effects. Keywords: pension systems, old-age system, financial efficiency of the system, European Union. Category of the paper: Research paper.

The article examines the organization of pension systems in developed countries, including the United States, Britain and Sweden. The main purpose of the recent reformation processes is determined. It is noted that the main goal of the recent reforms was to postpone retirement by raising the retirement age, slowing down the early retirement process and increasing motivation to continue working. The goals of the pension system are considered, in particular: protection against poverty; provision of income after the end of the employment relationship, the amount of which is usually proportional to the amount of income paid immediately before retirement; protection of this income from falling real living standards due to inflation. Analyzing pensions abroad, we have identified two main types of financing of pension schemes: distributive, which covers current pension costs from current income, and accumulative, which creates a special fund that makes all pension payments now and in the future. Also, based on world experience, we emphasize that the main trend in reforming pension systems is the transition to a funded pension system, the positive side of which is the ability to increase investment in economic development and return on investment for retirees. Based on the study, it was concluded that in reforming Ukraine's own pension system, it is hoped that the creation of a mandatory accumulative level in our country will begin a long-term process of reducing pension liabilities. After all, the existence of a unified solidarity pension system in Ukraine has ceased to meet the modern requirements of both the country's economy and the population itself.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the experience of pension insurance systems in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Australia. The defining feature is that the existing pension insurance system in Ukraine does not perform its main task properly, since the rate of pension, for the most part, does not make it possible to maintain a decent standard of living for current pensioners. After analyzing the implementation of the pension reform in Ukraine, it should be emphasized that during the twelve-year period after the pension reform in the country there remain a number of unresolved issues regarding the pension provision of citizens, namely: aging of the population, which is one of the main factors that prompt the government to a new stage of reforming the pension system; the presence of arrears on contributions to compulsory state pension insurance; lack of proper differentiation of pension payments; shadow wages; lack of sound financial instruments for investing pension assets; unsatisfactory level of legal and financial awareness of the population in matters of pension provision; lack of interest of employers in financing non-state pension programs for employees, lack of confidence in the pension system of non-state pension funds. Methods. In most countries of the world, the problems of the pension system, same to what we have in our country, arose. But due to pension reform, they achieved successful results. Each country chose its own way of building a pension system based on its own demographic and socioeconomic features. However, despite this, the main task of any pension system is to secure from poverty and provide a pension that could guarantee a decent standard of living for a pensioner. Results. Ukraine is trying to build the pension insurance system, drawing on the best practice of the countries studied. Practical implications. It is found that the most effective and successful model of the pension system is considered to be Chilean, since the country has been using cumulative and voluntary pension systems for a long time, which are priority and allow to resolve the pension of their citizens financially, prudent and efficient investing of pension funds with lower rates of public investment income. The same model was taken as the basis in Peru, Argentina, Colombia and Kazakhstan. Value/originality. Analyzing the pension reforms implemented in Eastern Europe, it should be noted that part of the changes was due to the need to protect pensioners from poverty in the context of a sharp decrease in the rate of pensions because of the reduction of total pension contributions and the inability of the state to finance previous pension obligations. The real way to reduce the financial burden on employers and the state in the context of a solidarity pension system was to develop levels II and III of the pension system. It is noteworthy to study the foreign experience of the Eastern European country, such as Poland, which was one of the first to introduce a compulsory funded pension system.

З'ясовано, що зростання витрат на фінансування пенсійних систем як Польщі, так і України відбувається через демографічну кризу, соціальні зміни та економічну кризу як на глобальному, так і національному рівнях, змушуючи до реформи цих систем. Сьогодні Україна активізує процес запровадження недержавного пенсійного забезпечення. Йдеться про систему накопичувального пенсійного забезпечення і, зокрема, про недержавну систему пенсійного забезпечення. Саме недержавне пенсійне забезпечення породжує в українському суспільстві низку питань, на які змогла відповісти своєму суспільству Польща після того, як запровадила нову пенсійну реформу. Запровадження тристовпеневої польської пенсійної системи (перший стовп – фонди установ соціального страхування, другий стовп – відкриті пенсійні фонди, третій стовп – пенсійні програми працівників, індивідуальні пенсійні рахунки) пояснило польському суспільству який вік виходу на пенсію згідно з новою пенсійною реформою, наявний мінімальний соціальний стаж у разі виходу на пенсію, чи вигідно приховувати або знижувати доходи під час декларування їх у новій польській пенсійній системі і чи будуть оподатковуватись майбутні пенсійні виплати з податку на прибуток. Отже, бачимо, що Польська тристовпенева пенсійна система є дещо подібна до трирівневої пенсійної системи, яку задекларовано в Законі України "Про загальнообов'язкове державне пенсійне страхування". Проте запровадження недержавного пенсійного забезпечення в Україні (другий та третій рівні) перебуває на початковій стадії. Для активізації системи накопичувального пенсійного забезпечення необхідний розвиток страхового ринку України, який ще мало розвинений, а тому нам треба використовувати досвід як країн Європейського Союзу, зокрема Польщі, так і інших країн світу, що досягли високих результатів у цьому питанні.