Pensions in the transformation process: the situation in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia

Conclusion The decisive reform approach taken in Hungary shows that radical reforms can be undertaken, although Hungary has had the advantage that its financial markets were already comparatively well developed. Some of the greatest challenges facing the transition countries in the coming years will be in the social field. Success in meeting these challenges will go a considerable way to determining the prospects for economic growth. In this, the labour market situation remains one of the most important aspects. In the final analysis, the number of employed contribution-payers determines the scope for old-age provision. There is no single ideal concept for pension reform. The question of whether changes in the existing pay-as-you-go system will suffice or more far-reaching measures are required can only be answered with a view to the concrete conditions prevailing in each individual country. While from a social point of view a gradual transition is to be preferred, the longer governments wait to take the necessary steps, the harsher and less popular the necessary measures are likely to become in future. Overall it can be expected that the three-pillar model of pension insurance will spread in the transition countries, i.e. part of the public pension insurance system will be converted to the fully funded principle.