29/04/2026 11:30:00

Central Bank of Malta participates in ISSA European Network Technical Seminar

On 28th April, the Bank's Chief Economist, Dr Aaron G. Grech and Mr Glenn Abela, a senior research economist in the Modelling Office delivered a presentation at a regional technical seminar organized by the International Social Security Association (ISSA). This seminar, held between 28 and 29 April in Valletta, discussed "Declining birth rates in Europe: social security challenges and responses" and included an initial special session to celebrate 70 years of Social Security in Malta.

Dr Aaron G. Grech	Mr Glenn Abela

The ISSA European Network brings together 110 social security organisations from 46 countries. The event brought together over 130 senior managers and experts from around Europe, with speakers from the ISSA, the OECD, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, the UK's Government's Actuary Department and European social security institutions.

Dr Grech and Mr Abela delivered a presentation on recent policy innovations in pensions, working age benefits, child benefits and other poverty alleviation measures. Their contribution focused, among others, at the impact of the introduction of the in-work benefit and the additional cost-of-living-adjustment, reforms in the taxation of pensions and measures to improve their generosity. These schemes were found to have improved significantly disposable income among vulnerable groups and led to a reduction in poverty. These research results, and others building on them, will eventually feature in Central Bank of Malta publications.

More information on the event can be found on the ISSA's  website.

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