This article discusses the Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202). This instrument takes account of the global recognition that social security plays a key role in addressing major challenges such as financial instability, growing inequality, insecure labour markets, large-scale migration flows, and population ageing. A national social protection floor is meant as a tool to prevent and reduce poverty and social insecurity by providing, over the lifecycle, health care and income security for all, at least at a basic level. After briefly depicting the background, objectives and substance of the Recommendation, the article examines its relevance for EU countries. The usefulness of the Recommendation for states with well-developed welfare systems, is demonstrated by pointing to several topical social security issues that constitute a lack of compliance with the concept of social protection floors.
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